Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 'I feel a Great Desire for Revenge'

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TJ Tucker
June 20, 2023 (12:17)

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Oliver Ekman-Larsson is making his plans pretty clear after being bought out of the final four years of his contract by the Vancouver Canucks. Ekman-Larsson did an interview in his home country of Sweden where he insisted the Canucks were wrong to ditch him.

"I don't feel like I'm done over there," said Ekman-Larsson when asked if he woud be returning to North America and the NHL. "I feel like I'm good enough to play in the league still. That's what I'm passionate about: refuting those who might think otherwise."

"I feel a great desire for revenge and want to show that they made the wrong decision. I want to show that I am a good player and I know what I can do."

For the first time in his career, Ekman Larsson, 31, will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. He said the prospect excites him.

"It's still a bit exciting for myself to be a free agent on the first of July. I never have been. So it's clear that it's tense and expectant and every emotion you can think of really."

The Canucks essentially paid Ekman-Larsson $19.5 million to go away. However, there are many who feel he can still be a good addition to a team at a much lower salary.