A latest episode of The Hockey Writers Roundtable dove into the commerce rumors surrounding Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren. With Liljegren’s future in Toronto unsure, these hockey analysts mentioned whether or not the younger Swede could be moved and speculated on potential touchdown spots, together with the Edmonton Oilers as a rumored commerce vacation spot.
As Liljegren has slipped down the Maple Leafs depth chart, questions come up about whether or not a surroundings change may benefit him and the staff.
The video of their dialogue will be seen under:
Is a Timothy Liljegren Commerce Inevitable?
Jim Bay began the dialog by stating his perception {that a} commerce is probably going in Liljegren’s future. With Liljegren seemingly buried on the Maple Leafs’ depth chart, Bay feels it’s a scenario the place “it’ll be good for each events to maneuver on.” He emphasizes that whereas Liljegren has worth, loads of groups with cap house and draft capital may benefit from buying a stable defenseman like him.
Bay particularly talked about the Chicago Blackhawks as a possible touchdown spot. Regardless of their ongoing defensive struggles regardless of latest additions, Bay believes Liljegren may very well be useful for his or her blue line. He notes, “Virtually every other place within the NHL is gonna profit him,” and sees this as a commerce that will assist Liljegren discover a extra important position whereas aiding Toronto in getting one thing in return.
What’s Liljegren Price in a Commerce?
Bay isn’t optimistic concerning the Maple Leafs fetching a excessive return for Liljegren. He attracts comparisons to Rasmus Sandin, one other younger defenseman traded by the Leafs final season. Though Sandin fetched a first-round decide in return from the Washington Capitals, Bay doesn’t imagine Liljegren will garner that compensation. He feels Liljegren’s worth is nearer to that of a mid-round decide, although he nonetheless sees him as “a man that may very well be helpful on a staff.”
Might the Oilers Be a Commerce Match for Liljegren?
Jacob Billington took a special angle, suggesting the Edmonton Oilers as a potential vacation spot. Billington highlighted Liljegren’s offensive talents, noting that regardless of enjoying simply 55 video games final season, he managed to put up 23 factors. He argued that Liljegren’s right-handed shot and puck-moving expertise may make him a lovely possibility for the Oilers, who want depth on the correct facet of their protection.
Billington believes Liljegren’s potential to maneuver the puck and contribute offensively makes him a invaluable asset for groups like Edmonton. “Each time Liljegren’s title comes up, I consider the Oilers,” he mentioned, envisioning Liljegren enjoying behind and studying from Evan Bouchard. Billington speculated that Liljegren may very well be price a second-round decide, a value he believes the Oilers could be prepared to pay to shore up their blue line.
The Backside Line: Ought to the Maple Leafs Commerce Liljegren?
The Hockey Writers Roundtable means that Liljegren’s days in Toronto could also be numbered. Bay and Billington agree {that a} commerce is probably going, although the return is debatable. Bay envisions groups just like the Blackhawks making a transfer for the younger defenseman, whereas Billington sees the Oilers as a super match for his talent set.
Finally, Liljegren’s future hinges on whether or not Toronto can discover a suitor prepared to supply an affordable return. Whereas a mid-round decide or a second-rounder looks like a good value, the query stays: ought to the Maple Leafs half methods with a defenseman who nonetheless has the potential to develop, or is it time for Liljegren to hunt alternative elsewhere? The hypothesis will proceed as commerce rumors warmth up, however one factor is obvious—Liljegren’s future in Toronto is way from sure.
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