The Toronto Maple Leafs’ offseason has been a whirlwind of activity, with GM Brad Treliving putting his stamp on the team. But amidst the flurry of signings and departures, one name has quietly emerged as a potential trade candidate: Timothy Liljegren.
Leafs insider Jonas Siegel recently reported that the Leafs were open to trading Liljegren this summer, even going so far as to explore options before ultimately signing the young defenseman to a two-year contract extension. This revelation came as a surprise to many, as Liljegren had shown flashes of top-four potential in previous seasons.
So, what’s changed? The Leafs’ blue line is suddenly crowded, with veterans Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson joining the mix. This has pushed Liljegren down the depth chart, potentially even out of the opening-night lineup. With a $3 million cap hit for the next two seasons, Liljegren suddenly looks like an expensive seventh defenseman.
From a purely financial standpoint, moving Liljegren makes sense. The Leafs are tight against the cap, and shedding his salary would create some much-needed breathing room. However, there are risks involved in trading a young, promising player like Liljegren. At just 25 years old, he still has plenty of upside and could develop into a key piece of the Leafs’ defense corps.
Analyzing the Situation
The Leafs are in a win-now mode, with a core group of players in their prime. Treliving has clearly prioritized experience and defensive stability, which explains the additions of Tanev and Ekman-Larsson. However, the Leafs’ blue line is also aging, with Morgan Rielly, and Jake McCabe now 30. Trading Liljegren would leave them thin on young, puck-moving defensemen.
Another factor to consider is Liljegren’s trade value. While he possesses undeniable talent, his recent demotion and somewhat limited NHL experience may diminish his appeal to other teams. It’s unlikely the Leafs would receive a significant return for him in a trade.
Could the Leafs Move Timothy Liljegren? Exploring Trade Possibilities
If the Leafs do decide to move Liljegren, several teams could be potential suitors. Teams like the Utah Hockey Club, San Jose Sharks, and Anaheim Ducks are all in rebuilding mode and could be willing to take a chance on a young player with upside. The Leafs could also explore trading Liljegren to playoff-contending teams looking for defensive depth, such as the Carolina Hurricanes or the Los Angeles Kings.
My Take
Personally, I believe the Leafs should hold onto Liljegren. While his cap hit is somewhat high for a seventh defenseman, his potential and age make him a valuable asset. The Leafs should give him a chance to prove himself. If he can regain his form and earn a spot in the top six, he could be a key contributor to the team’s success.
Trading Liljegren would be a short-sighted move that could come back to haunt the Leafs in the future. They need to prioritize long-term development alongside their pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
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