Because the Utah Hockey Membership grapples with accidents to key defensemen Sean Durzi and John Marino, hypothesis is swirling round potential commerce choices, notably involving Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren. For now, it doesn’t sound like Utah goes to make any fast choices or instantly scour the commerce market, however with each gamers sidelined for an prolonged interval—Durzi anticipated to be out for 4 to 6 months and Marino for 3 to 4 months—Utah is feeling the strain to search out appropriate replacements to keep up their aggressive momentum.
If these replacements don’t come from inside or issues worsen on the harm entrance, the Maple Leafs could be on their velocity dial.
Liljegren’s State of affairs in Toronto May Match Utah’s Wants
Liljegren has been a subject of dialog for the reason that preseason, as he struggles to suit into head coach Craig Berube’s most well-liked model of hockey. Incessantly scratched from the lineup, his future with the Maple Leafs seems unsure, and the potential of a commerce has gained traction. Whereas some critics argue that Liljegren is simply too gifted to be considered merely as a cap casualty—his contract carries a cap hit of $3 million per season for the subsequent two years—his lack of constant enjoying time raises questions on what lies forward in Toronto and his worth on the commerce market.
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Nonetheless, Utah presents a novel alternative. The crew’s important cap area and probably determined want for defensive depth make them a attainable touchdown spot for the younger defenseman. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman famous in his 32 Ideas column that “Utah is decided to not do one thing that causes 10 years of ache” but in addition hinted in his podcast that different groups might see Utah’s predicament as a chance to barter favorable trades. This could possibly be a situation the place the Maple Leafs may unload Liljegren with out having to incorporate a further asset.
Utah’s Technique Amid Accidents
Regardless of their present defensive pickle, TSN’s Chris Johnston stories that Utah is reportedly specializing in inside options. Like Friedman, Johnston agrees that the NHL’s latest crew isn’t inquisitive about making a mistake out of panic. The group has been proactive in recalling defenseman Maveric Lamoureux from their AHL affiliate, Tucson, and is seeking to different promising gamers like Michael Kesselring to step up. Is that sufficient?
For now, the choice to prioritize inside choices is sensible regardless of their robust, considerably sudden begin to the season. They purpose to construct a aggressive roster with out jeopardizing their future potential.
Nonetheless, there’s strain there that can solely get stronger if any additional accidents happen. Utah has struggled to search out their footing, going 1-3 since Durzi’s harm, highlighting how essential he was to their success. Ought to they lose any extra man video games to accidents, brief or long-term, they might be compelled to rethink their stance on exterior trades. That’s the place Liljegren may are available.
Liljegren might function a strong Plan B for Utah. His offensive upside and potential for growth may make him an interesting choice to shore up the appropriate facet of their protection. He’s not an enormous dedication when it comes to wage, and he’s acquired a contract that’s solely good for an additional two seasons (this and 2025-26). He’s not the type of participant who will set the Utah Hockey Membership again or put them in a bind they’ll’t work their manner out of.
Whereas there’s at the moment no imminent commerce on the horizon, it doesn’t appear like Liljegren initiatives to be a part of the plans in Toronto below Berbue. And, if Utah finds itself needing to make a transfer, Liljegren could possibly be on the prime of their listing.
