Theres Something About Adam

Since the Edmonton Oilers traded for Adam Larsson back in the summer of 2016, he has been stalked by controversy and scrutinized like an American citizen standing near the entrance of Area 51. However, since his first game donning the orange and blue, Larsson has been exactly what the doctor ordered here in Edmonton.

In 59 games this season, Larsson has 15 points and is a plus 14. He averages roughly 20:16 minutes of ice time per game and has registered 65 shots on goal. His corsi percentage is a commendable 50.4 and has 106 blocked shots. Most impressively though, Larsson has dished out 182 hits this year, which is enough to have him ranked in the top 10.

Larsson’s numbers check out in the most positive of ways. He has played hard minutes this year and favours well against opposing teams toughest competition. Without any doubt, Larsson is a legitimate top pairing defender and the go-to guy on the backend for the Oilers. This should come as no surprise though, since he was utilized in the same fashion during his time as a New Jersey Devil.

One word can describe Larsson. That word is simplicity. He does the little things incredibly well. His gap control and positioning are superb. Rarely is he ever caught out of position or turning the puck over. In fact, he’s often the one creating turnovers as a result of his smart decisions in the defensive zone. Larsson and Oscar Klefbom have worked well together on the top pairing this season.

However, there are times where I see Larsson covering for his partner’s mistakes, whether it be from a bad pinch or someone being out of position. We’ve seen Klefbom take a step forward in terms of his offensive ability this season. He is very confident with the puck and is shooting more often. This noticeable increase of confidence in Klefbom’s game can be credited to the calm, steady play of Larsson, who has balanced the performance of the top pairing. They both compliment each other well and it has worked out so far.

Larsson’s decisions with the puck are smart and he has great vision on the ice. Its not often you see him making a mistake and if you do, he quickly transitions with a good play to make up for it. His ability to make a solid first pass out of the defensive zone is immensely valuable. Maybe people watching have overlooked this, but many times this year offensive opportunities have started with a simple pass by Larsson, which gets the play going north in the right direction.

When watching Larsson skate, one can say that his stride and overall style is unusual looking. It is obvious that he is not as fast as Erik Karlsson or as smooth as Drew Doughty, but he is mobile and can effectively move the puck up the ice better than one would think.

The ferocity in his game is admirable. He plays as hard as Jason Smith always did every single game. You would expect a player who plays as hard and physical as Larsson to be injury prone; but thankfully he is quite durable. His nasty edge and hard-to-play-against mentality is what wins the tough battles and hard fought games. Such an element is essential during intense playoff hockey.

Larsson is an elite defensive defensemen and is among the best at what he does. I truly believe that he is one of the best defensive rearguards in the NHL right now. At 24 years old, there is still potential for him to grow even more as a stalwart in both ends of the ice.

Trading Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson last summer was the pivotal turning point that steered the Edmonton Oilers in the right direction toward a path of success. Thats the reality. They are a much better and completely transformed team because of this trade. Larsson significantly helped stabilize a shaky Edmonton blue line.

I have heard a lot of people say that the Oilers really miss Hall and could use his offensive ability right now. It is true that his scoring ability and play driving would be a great boost for any team. My point though is simple. The Oilers do not and should not miss Taylor Hall. He can definitely score and is deservingly among the best in the league in that department.

In hindsight, Hall is merely an offensive luxury that the Oilers would of course love to have but can certainly live without. Bashing the Larsson trade at this stage is ridiculous. The Oilers success speaks for itself and it all started with a significant addition to the backend that they desperately needed. Of course the superbly inhuman play of Cam Talbot is another game changer.

Hall is an offensive dynamo and Larsson is a Trojan soldier defending the beaches of Troy. Both players are elite and specialize in different areas of the game. Many games in the NHL, especially with the Oilers, are often decided by only one goal. This is a time where Hall’s scoring is useful, but the reality is a team’s defence and goaltending are what controls the outcome of close games.

Its important not to forget that the Oilers also have the league leader in points named Connor and another superstar named Leon to mend the offensive void left by Hall. I think the team will be just fine.

The Devils needed Hall and the Oilers needed Larsson. It was an excellent swap that benefitted both teams. This topic is like a broken record, but as long as there are still people out there being critical towards the Larsson trade, I feel obligated to set the record straight every time until it all comes to an end. Unfortunately that may never happen since comparisons and displeasures will forever linger in the air between the two players. Needless to say, it is time to put the criticism of Larsson and the man crush some people still have for Taylor Hall to a permanent rest.