Toronto Maple Leafs trade defenseman Timothy Liljegren to Pacific division team

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been in the thick of trade speculation since the season began, and now, they've officially moved Timothy Liljegren to San Jose.

Timothy Liljegren has been one of the hottest names on the NHL trade block through the first three weeks of the season, and now, the 25-year old is officially on the move. First broken by TSN's Chris Johnston, it has been announced that the Maple Leafs are sending Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks, and in return they'll receive two draft picks and veteran blue liner Matt Benning in return.

Given the additions of the Maple Leafs on the blue line this summer, there was simply no room for Liljegren, even after he inked a two-year extension to stay in Toronto, with many believing a trade would be imminent. The team also needed to recoup draft capital after some intriguing moves under Brad Treliving, and now, they've got more ammunition for a potential blockbuster down the road.

According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the Maple Leafs will get the earlier of the two draft picks owned by San Jose in the 2025 third-round, with the Sharks owning the picks of Edmonton and Colorado.

In Liljegren, the Sharks will get a talented, offensive-minded defenseman, and given the lack of a path to playing time in Toronto, this was a great landing spot for the former first-round pick. With 23, 18 and 23 points in his three full NHL seasons, Liljegren has shown offensive upside, and if he can produce more with increased playing time, this will end up being a steal for San Jose.

To finish off the trade, the Maple Leafs get 30-year old blue liner Matt Benning, who has just under 500 games of NHL experience thus far, but with a crowded blue line, unless injuries strike, it's highly unlikely that he'll get a major shot at the NHL level with Toronto.

Overall, this was a trade that benefits both teams, as San Jose get a young defenseman that can grow with their young core and potentially become a leader, while Toronto add more ammunition ahead of a huge season by moving a player that simply didn't figure into their plans.

MUST READ

35 minutes ago  |  By Tom Banks Darnell Nurse Fires Back at Ryan Reaves After Controversial Hit: He Will Not Accept the Apology From the Leafs

2 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Minnesota Wild Star Mats Zuccarello Suffers Terrifying Injury In the Most Painful Area

3 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Top NHL Insider Kevin Weekes Stuns With Possible Destination for Sidney Crosby

5 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Jonathan Toews Comes Forward About His Spiritual Journey in India: Addresses Public for First Time in Months

6 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Beloved Canadian Basketball Player Chad Posthumus Passes Away at 33 After Traumatic Brain Injury

7 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Sportsnet Broadcaster Sam Constentino Under Fire About Comments on Zach Whitecloud's Hit on Matthew Knies

20 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney Sends a Threat to Players After the Firing of Jim Montgomery

22 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Shane Wright Faces Significant Setback With the Seattle Kraken: Is a Return to the AHL Incoming?

MORE STORIES