Maple Leafs Reportedly Trying To Trade Timothy Liljegren – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs get their season underway against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday (Oct. 9) as they look to find more success and end their Stanley Cup drought, going without a win since 1967. Although it had bright spots in its early days. For the 2024-25 regular season game, there was one player absent, defenseman Timothy Liljegren. With their defensive depth strengthened, he no longer has a place on their roster, and some fans are beginning to wonder if a trade is possible. In a recent 32 Thoughts article from Elliotte Friedman, it was confirmed that they are trying to remove Liljegren and find him a new home.

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Liljegren is from Kristianstad, Sweden, and has played 196 games in the NHL, scoring 14 goals and adding 51 assists for 65 points (0.33 points per game average). He was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft 17th overall by the Maple Leafs after a strong season in Sweden split between the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and J20 SuperElite and Rogle BK and their affiliate teams. He had five points in 19 games in the SHL, and seven points in 12 games in the SuperElite league.

Liljegren should draw interest from teams looking to bolster their defense as he is a right-shooting defender capable of playing top four minutes. At 25 years old, he still has plenty of playing time ahead of him and while he has yet to find a way to become a full-time NHL defenseman with the Maple Leafs, a fresh start should be just what he needs to improve. his confidence and stay at the NHL level.

Tanev and OEL Push Liljegren Down the Depth Chart

The Maple Leafs are making sure to bolster their defensive depth after a tough season last season exposed their lack of defensive strength. With the addition of Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, they were able to put together a roster that could be considered a championship contender, so now it's just a matter of putting everything together and winning games. However, those two signings resulted in Liljegren being demoted down the depth chart. Although Friedman said that this situation is one side that is not happy about it, it is something that they have to deal with.

When considering which teams could take a stab at acquiring Liljegren, there will be plenty. The Edmonton Oilers may have explored his availability but with their cap issues, they likely won't have the assets or money to make something work. The Los Angeles Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning could also come in if they want to bolster their defense, but they likely won't be willing to pay a big asking price.

Potential Trade Areas

Rebuilding teams like the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, or Calgary Flames could give him a fresh start and an increased role this season, which could entice him, and each of those teams has plenty of opportunities and options to part with.

At the end of the day, it looks like Liljegren's time in Toronto is coming to an end. The Maple Leafs should be able to get a mid-round draft pick back in any trade for him, which should be more than enough for them considering they don't have a place for him this season. Right now, it seems to be a matter of when he will be removed, not when he will be removed.

As the 2024-25 season continues, be sure to stay tuned Hockey Writers as your source for news from the NHL and the world of hockey.