Photo Credits: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The 2024-25 NHL season is one week in, and news and rumors have already begun swirling around Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren. On Wednesday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Maple Leafs are working to find a trade partner for the 25-year-old defenceman.
Liljegren signed a two-year, $6-million contract with the Maple Leafs in the off-season. He was a healthy scratch for Toronto’s first game of the season, surprising fans and media.
Friedman noted, “Neither the player nor the team is happy with the current situation.”
Toronto bolstered its defence in the off-season by signing Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jani Hakanpää. It seemed likely that Liljegren would be on the third pair with Hakanpää, but that wasn’t the case, as Connor Timmins beat him out for the bottom pair role.
Liljegren has developed into a solid NHL defenseman with his two-way game, but he is not the impact player Toronto had hoped for. He was projected to go first overall in his draft year but fell out of the top rankings due to contracting mono. He dropped to the Maple Leafs at 17th overall and was considered a steal of the draft at the time. Scouts even compared him to Erik Karlsson.
During his tenure with the Maple Leafs, Liljegren’s ability to contribute at both ends of the ice, particularly offensively, makes him an asset for teams seeking a right-shot defenseman.
With that said, here are three teams that the Maple Leafs should consider trading Liljegren to.
Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg could be an ideal destination for Liljegren. The Jets have a strong defensive group but are slightly aging, and adding Liljegren would help them get younger. He would fit perfectly into the Jets’ system, particularly strengthening the team on the right side.
A trade between the two teams makes sense. In return, Toronto could receive forward Alex Iafallo, who carries a $4 million cap hit and is set to become a UFA at the end of the season. Although Iafallo’s $4 million salary doesn’t match Liljegren’s $6 million, Toronto or Winnipeg could retain salary to make the deal work. This trade would benefit both clubs, addressing their needs. Last season, Iafallo recorded 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points with the Jets.
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are in the second year of their rebuild, and adding Liljegren to their defence would be a significant boost. He could be a valuable presence and mentor for their younger players. The Sharks lack depth on defence, and Liljegren could help them solidify their blue line while realizing his untapped potential.
Toronto could send Liljegren and Ryan Reaves to the Sharks in exchange for centre Luke Kunin and a draft pick. This trade would benefit Toronto’s cap situation, as they would shed $7.35 million and open up $4.6 million in cap space, with Kunin carrying a $2.75 million cap hit.
Much like the Jets trade proposal, this would be a win-win for both teams. The Sharks would add Liljegren and Reaves, two veterans who could provide valuable leadership to their young core, while the Leafs would acquire a hard-nosed forward in Kunin, who could slot in as Toronto’s third-line centre.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars already have a solid blue line, but adding Timothy Liljegren would give them even more flexibility and depth. His puck-moving ability and offensive skills could help push Dallas over the hump in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup, providing support for stars like Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell.
In return for Liljegren, the Leafs could expect a package of draft picks and a prospect.
With the Maple Leafs looking to accommodate Liljegren in a trade, he will be a key addition to any team that acquires him. Last season, Liljegren recorded 23 points in 53 games and averaged a career-high 19:40 of ice time per game. His mix of youth and potential makes him an appealing trade target as teams look to solidify their blue lines for the future.
