Arizona Coyotes confidential with Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Position: Defense.

Age: 23.

Last season

Ekman-Larsson continued to emerge as an elite blue liner, amassing career-highs in goals (15), assists (29) and points (44) while also forming a shutdown pair with Zbynek Michalek. He played a team-high 25:53 average of ice time each game and regularly matched up against the other team's top players. Ekman-Larsson was particularly effective on the power play. He quarterbacked the first unit alongside Keith Yandle, and the duo helped transform the unit into one of the league's best.

2014-15 outlook

Ekman-Larsson has proven he's able to handle the responsibilities that come with being a top-pairing defenseman, and he should only improve this season. He's maturing -- perhaps most noticeably physically -- and being bigger, stronger and faster will help him handle the workload. With the Coyotes offense under construction, expect Ekman-Larsson to be even more involved in creating scoring opportunities. He's been able to fly somewhat under-the-radar so far, but maybe this is the season others take notice.

Camp focus

Conditioning has been a priority for Ekman-Larsson but once that's in place, look for him to work on regaining his feel in the offensive zone. Ekman-Larsson took 199 shots last season, and he wants to take even more this go-around.

"He's a top player, and his maturity continues to evolve and he takes that responsibility," coach Dave Tippett said.

Quick hits

-Most memorable goal: First NHL goal. "Korpi (Lauri Korpikoski) passed me the puck. I just shot it. I don't know how it went in, but I think it was under his blocker."

-Hockey idol: Nicklas Lidstrom.

-Celebration move: "I don't really have one. It just happens."

-Slapshot or Miracle:Miracle.

-Best hockey hair: "Me."