The Toronto Maple Leafs made a significant trade, sending defenseman Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for veteran defenseman Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2026 sixth-round pick.
This move comes at a time when Toronto’s defensive depth has been under scrutiny, and management is seeking ways to bolster the back end without compromising future assets.
Assessing the Trade: Liljegren for Benning
Liljegren, 25, is a talented puck-moving defenseman who was drafted 17th overall in 2017 by the Maple Leafs. Despite flashes of skill, Liljegren hasn’t consistently broken into a full-time top-four role. Last season, he suited up for 55 games, posting three goals and 20 assists with a respectable plus-3 rating. However, Toronto fans and management had been hoping for more development from him, and with the Leafs pushing for a deeper playoff run, patience was running thin.
San Jose receives a defenseman who could flourish in a less pressurized market. Liljegren’s ability to jump into the play and contribute offensively may thrive in San Jose’s system, which is focusing on developing young talent amid a rebuild. The Sharks, in return, provide the Maple Leafs with an experienced blueliner in Matt Benning, a defensive specialist known for his shot-blocking and steady presence.
Benning, 30, brings a wealth of NHL experience, having played 464 games across the Sharks, Nashville Predators, and Edmonton Oilers. Although he hasn’t recorded a point this season and holds a minus-5 rating, Benning’s skill set fills a need for Toronto.
Analyzing the Impact
This trade indicates Toronto’s urgency to add defensive reliability as they push for a competitive playoff season. While Benning may not provide the offensive upside that Liljegren has, his reliability in Toronto’s end is invaluable for a team that has often relied too heavily on its offensive stars to cover defensive gaps. The third and sixth-round picks San Jose provided Toronto help add depth to future drafts, which could be crucial as Toronto’s current roster ages.
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