"Motivated to get something": Elliotte Friedman weighs in on Timothy Liljegren's future with Maple Leafs

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Oct 11, 2024 17:52 GMT

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared updates about Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren on Friday. Friedman reported that the Leafs are looking at trade options for the first-round pick from the 2017 NHL draft. Liljegren signed a two-year, $6 million contract extension with the team in June.

Friedman mentioned that Liljegren's current situation is not ideal.

"It shouldn’t be too hard for the Leafs to find a team for Liljegren if they were to trade him, given he was a 1st-round pick seven years ago and is a right-handed shot, which is something teams always need," he said.

Liljegren is now on the trade block, which is unusual for a player who just re-signed. However, the Leafs have good defenseman depth, so Liljegren's chances of making it to the top six were less likely.

"It could take one, or even two or more, injuries to the Leafs’ defense for Liljegren to find his way back to playing. He’s fallen that far out with the team," Friedman added.

Despite this, Friedman believes the Leafs are motivated to make a trade. Liljegren is a right-handed shot, which teams often need. However, his $3 million salary could make it harder to find a team.

“They (Leafs) are definitely motivated to get something done,” Friedman confirmed.

Liljegren's future in Toronto is uncertain. Both the Leafs and Liljegren want a solution that works for everyone.

Timothy Liljegren's resume is not impressive enough to create space in Leaf's lineup

Timothy Liljegren played 55 games last season. He scored 23 points, including three goals and 20 assists. He also played in six playoff games and had one assist. Liljegren has recorded 65 points in 196 regular-season games in his five seasons with the Maple Leafs. On the international level, Liljegren won a silver medal with Sweden at the 2018 World Junior Championship.

Liljegren is not on board with his role on the Toronto Maple Leafs. He did not play in the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens, which the Leafs lost 1-0. Conor Timmins took his place in the lineup. Many raised questions about why Liljegren was benched. But it seems the team favors Timmins now.

Liljegren's benching and current position has fueled the uncertainty. Liljegren wants more playing time and a better role within the Maple Leafs. Toronto looks to trade Liljegren, but this could be challenging because he has a $3 million salary.