Toronto Maple Leafs superstar center Auston Matthews took the ice for the club's optional morning skate on Saturday. But when will he return to game action? WASHINGTON — Oliver Ekman-Larsson will suit up in his 1000th game on Wednesday when the Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. To mark the occasion, the Leafs have updated their socials to a logo that features the defenseman’s ‘OEL’ initials but with the ‘E’ twisted into a ‘K’, the Roman numeral that represents 1,000. The defenseman joined the Maple Leafs last summer after signing a four-year deal worth $14 million. He won a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers last season. “It's really special. Credit to him. Obviously, an amazing career. Incredible longevity and still showing so much in the tank,” Maple Leafs forward John Tavares said of Ekman-Larson. “Obviously, a great addition for us. So we're excited to celebrate him and obviously want to make it a great night.” Tavares, like Ekman-Larsson, has reached the 1,000 NHL game mark in his career. The 33-year-old Swede has one goal and five assists in 17 games this season and has consistently dressed as part of the Leafs’ top-four defensive group. He will receive a silver stick to commemorate the occasion when the Leafs return to Toronto. “He's a great guy. Very humble, very soft-spoken. Likes to have fun and on the ice is his game,” Chris Tanev said of Ekman-Larson. “He plays really hard, has a great stick, makes a ton of plays, and then he plays with a little edge that we need for sure. So I mean, it's a huge accomplishment, as you said, and we're all excited for him.
