Sportsnet reveals five likely destinations for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren
Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren has been at the center of trade discussion for several weeks, and it's really heated up with five front-running teams.
Being a healthy scratch in the NHL is never easy, and for Timothy Liljegren, it's a position that can have bigger implications for his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Coming off of signing a two-year extension in the offseason, the 25-year-old defenceman finds himself in an unfamiliar spot. While he recently made his season debut in a 6-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings, his place on the team remains tenuous as every game he misses brings more speculation about his future with the club.
Liljegren's performance in that game, though labeled "fine" by coach Craig Berube, left much to be desired statistically. He played less than 14 minutes, took a penalty for cross-checking, and his team got out-attempted 20-2 and outshot 8-2 while he was on the ice. That said, Liljegren is shaking off the rust, trying to get used to the pace of the game after being out. With competition for spots extremely high, every chance to prove himself in the lineup counts, and a lot can be told from the next few games.
The defensive depth of the Maple Leafs has complicated things further for Liljegren to find a regular position within the lineup. Players like Conor Timmins have earned Craig Berube's trust and been put in positions that make his road to regularity in the lineup even harder. That Liljegren wasn't in the lineup on opening night only served to heat up the trade speculation. While insiders like Elliotte Friedman report that the Leafs aren't actively looking to move him just yet, Liljegren's future still hangs in the balance as Toronto navigates a crowded blue line.
Another complicating factor is how the Leafs manage the cap. For the time being, the team has a host of players on long-term injured reserve, which helps cap-wise, but roster moves will eventually be needed. Demoting players to the minors could alleviate the problem in the short term, but bigger salary decisions are looming. If Liljegren can't nail down a regular spot, that $3 million cap hit will be tough to justify, and he'll become a potential trade candidate to free up space.
Keeping in mind the trade deadline this season, several teams would indeed be interested in a young defenceman like Timothy Liljegren. The Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, and Utah Hockey Club will all need his type of skillset, and it will be interesting to see which of these teams pick up the phone and have a chat with GM Brad Treliving. The Leafs have no need to move him urgently, but the coming weeks will be crucial as to whether Liljegren stays in Toronto or plays for a new team by the time spring rolls around.
