Timothy Liljegren’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is as soon as once more in query, as his place on the staff’s blue line seems more and more unsure. Contemplating his age and future potential as a blueliner with upside, information that the Leafs could be contemplating a commerce to ship Liljegren elsewhere forward of the 2024-25 season could be a tad stunning.
In line with Jonas Siegel of The Athletic, the Leafs have been open to buying and selling Liljegren throughout the summer time earlier than in the end signing him to a two-year deal value $3 million per season. Nonetheless, lower than a month earlier than the common season begins, Liljegren has already slipped down the depth chart and may not even crack the opening night time lineup.
Siegel factors out that at observe on Friday, Conor Timmins occupied the right-side function on a possible third pair with Simon Benoit, leaving Liljegren as an additional alongside Marshall Rafai and Jani Hakanpää. Even with Jake McCabe sidelined resulting from harm, Philippe Myers stepped in as an alternative of Liljegren, including to hypothesis about his future with the group.
Liljegren Has Struggled With the Maple Leafs Lately
Liljegren’s struggles haven’t gone unnoticed. Head coach Craig Berube emphasised the necessity for the 24-year-old to be “somewhat bit heavier in his battles” and to “transfer pucks faster and simplify the sport.” If he can’t discover a manner to take action, underneath Berube’s system, Liljegren might be combating an uphill battle.
With Toronto already having a blue line that includes older gamers and potential harm considerations, buying and selling their youngest defenseman could seem counterintuitive. Stil, if he’s not going to come back round to what the Leafs are in search of, shifting his $3 million cap hit amidst wage cap points could be the most effective plan of action.
If Liljegren stays the seventh or eighth defenseman, he may turn out to be a legal responsibility at that price ticket. The query now could be whether or not he holds any commerce worth, particularly for a staff wanting so as to add a younger, cost-controlled defenseman with NHL expertise.
Shifting Liljegren could be a stunning choice given his age and potential, however with the Leafs aiming for a deep playoff run, administration could be prepared to make a tricky name.
Subsequent: Dewar & Hakanpää: Anytime Quickly on the Maple Leafs Roster?