'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Maple Leafs Rumors: Top insider speculates GM could flip player acquired in Timothy Liljegren trade
The Toronto Maple Leafs sent young defenseman Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for veteran blueliner Matt Benning and two draft picks this week. Liljegren is getting a fresh start after struggling to fit into Craig Berube's strategy while the Leafs are boosting their lineup and replenishing their supply of draft picks. However, Benning's tenure in Toronto may be short-lived.
On "TSN Insider Trading" on Thursday, Darren Dreger mentioned a possibility where Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving might consider trading Benning to acquire another asset in return.
Toronto has a roster of 23 players now and is encountering difficulties with the salary cap constraints.
"It has more to do with roster space than it has to do with the cap issues that the Toronto Maple Leafs seem to tangle with on a day-in and day-out basis, annually speaking. I would expect Brad Treliving is either going to have to place another player on waivers," Dreger explained.
Dreger said the Leafs could send a player to the AHL on a conditioning stint to open up a roster spot. However, he added that the easiest move might be finding a new home for Benning via trade, continuing the asset accumulation process for Toronto.
The Benning acquisition gives the Leafs some veteran insurance on defense heading toward the playoffs. But with the roster squeezed for space, he may just be a short-term rental before getting flipped again.
Timothy Liljegren's message for Maple Leafs fans
Timothy Liljegren had a heartfelt message for Toronto Maple Leafs fans after being traded to the San Jose Sharks. He only played one game for Toronto this season.
In an emotional Instagram post, Liljegren said:
“Thank you Toronto for making my dream of playing in the NHL true. I'll always hold Toronto close to my heart and loved every minute of my 7 years in the organization! Have met amazing people and have made friends that'll last a lifetime. With that said. I’m excited to join the Sharks organization."
The 25-year-old defenseman is in the first year of a two-year, $3 million per season contract extension he signed with Toronto last summer.
Trending
