Timothy Liljegren makes his feelings known about "stressful" move to Sharks after Maple Leaf trade

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Nov 01, 2024 02:22 GMT

Former Toronto Maple Leafs blue liner Timothy Liljegren recently shared his feelings about his recent trade to the San Jose Sharks.

The trade ended weeks of speculation after Liljegren failed to make an impact on the Leafs during training camp and the preseason. While Timothy Liljegren made the team out of camp, he’s only appeared in one game this season. That situation will change now that Liljegren likely becomes part of the Sharks’ top four defensemen.

According to The Hockey News’ David Alter, Liljegren said the situation has been stressful for him, but he is excited to be a part of the team.

“I was excited. Young team, lots of talent, so it's been a little stressful since that call with packing all my stuff and the flight and everything, but happy to be here and I'm excited.” Liljegren said.

Indeed, Liljegren had been in limbo since opening night after being leapfrogged by Conor Timmins and Phillippe Myers on the Leafs’ depth chart.

Liljegren is getting set to prove he belongs in the NHL. With the Sharks, he should get every opportunity to develop his full potential after several seasons of seemingly wasted chances with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Timothy Liljegren ready to go when he is called upon

Now that Timothy Liljegren has moved on to San Jose, he’s eager to hit the ground running. Liljegren skated with his new club at their practice facility on Thursday morning.

The speculation is that Liljegren will make his Sharks debut on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks.

“I’ll be ready whenever they call my name,” Liljegren told reporters, according to the Vacaville Reporter.

Liljegren expanded on his thoughts, stating:

“I’m happy to be here, and kind of get some confidence back.”

Liljegren’s confidence was shaken following his unceremonious removal from the Maple Leafs’ lineup. But now the Sharks are eager to have Liljegren hit the ice.

Sharks coach David Warsofsky summed up his expectations of the recently acquired blue liner by stating:

“I think his vision and hockey sense with the puck (are) probably the biggest things that will help us.”

Liljegren now has a unique opportunity to become a meaningful contributor to a team that’s quickly amassing a cadre of highly skilled young talent. At 25, Liljegren fits into that mold, hopefully becoming a key piece in what could be a contending San Jose Sharks down the road.