With the preseason winding down and roster choices looming, two Toronto Maple Leafs defensemen discover themselves in precarious positions. Timothy Liljegren and Topi Niemelä, as soon as thought of integral elements of the Maple Leafs’ future, now face uncertainty. Their performances have left extra questions than solutions because the staff prepares for its season opener.
Whereas the group would possibly file Niemelä as a next-season query, Liljegren’s future is extra fast. The Maple Leafs have thought of each blue liners items of the staff’s future roster, however Liligren’s state of affairs proper now should be labeled disturbing.
Timothy Liljegren: Consistency in Query
After signing a two-year, $3 million per season contract this summer season, Liljegren was anticipated to cement his place as an everyday defenseman. Nonetheless, his preseason has been lukewarm at finest. Whereas Liljegren hasn’t been outright horrible, he’s been lackluster. And that sort of play has raised considerations.
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In a latest recreation towards the Detroit Crimson Wings, Liljegren logged vital ice time, main the staff’s defensemen with 21:34 of ice time. But, as a substitute of standing out, he was overshadowed by much less skilled gamers like Marshall Rifai and Philippe Myers and struggled to make a robust impression. His play lacked the assertiveness and consistency the Maple Leafs want from somebody in his position and he did not dominate regardless of being one of many extra seasoned defensemen on the ice. Now, what occurs? Is his spot within the beginning lineup unsure?
Essentially the most telling signal of Liljegren’s shaky preseason has been his absence from the Maple Leafs’ prime three defensive pairings in latest practices. Initially regarded as competing for a depth position, Conor Timmins may need leapfrogged Liljegren within the lineup. Liljegren’s efficiency might be beneath the microscope if he performs in tonight’s closing preseason recreation. If he doesn’t enhance, there’s an opportunity he might watch from the press field when the common season begins.
Topi Niemelä: As soon as a High Prospect, Now on the Fringe
Topi Niemelä entered final preseason as one of many Maple Leafs’ prime defensive prospects. Chosen sixty fourth general within the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Niemelä had been extremely touted for his offensive instincts and regular play in his defensive finish. Nonetheless, his lack of presence within the preseason has raised eyebrows. Has a choice already been made about his touchdown spot?
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Thursday’s recreation towards Detroit was Niemelä’s first preseason motion, and his play didn’t encourage confidence. Enjoying solely barely greater than rookie defenseman Cade Webber, Niemelä noticed restricted ice time. This means the teaching employees isn’t fully assured about his NHL readiness. There have been no reviews of accidents or conditioning points, so the thriller surrounding his absence from earlier preseason video games is puzzling.
It begs the query: Did Niemelä come into camp underprepared, or has the staff cooled on his potential?
Niemelä’s future with the Maple Leafs would possibly nonetheless be vivid, however this preseason has carried out little to advance his case for a roster spot. The staff might ship him again to the American Hockey League (AHL) for additional improvement, however his trajectory might be one thing to observe carefully because the season progresses. At this level in his profession, enjoying with the Toronto Marlies is properly and good. Nonetheless, extra was anticipated – and sooner.
The Remaining Selections for Liljegren and Niemelä Loom
Because the preseason ends, the Maple Leafs have some robust choices to make. Liljegren and Niemelä had been as soon as seen as cornerstones of the staff’s defensive future, however their latest performances have clouded these projections. Whereas Liljegren’s NHL expertise provides him an edge, his inconsistent play leaves the door open for different defensemen to step up. Niemelä, in the meantime, would possibly want extra time to develop, however his lack of affect this preseason has been regarding.
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The Maple Leafs should resolve whether or not to offer Liljegren and Niemelä extra time to show themselves or think about different choices. The ultimate preseason recreation could be essential in figuring out their fates, as each gamers might begin the season outdoors the primary lineup.
