Elliotte Friedman Reveals Maple Leafs Shopping First-Round Defenseman
With the Toronto Maple Leafs season opener happening this evening, there has been a lot of buzz around this team and the lineup. Players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares are sitting comfortably in this lineup, but one notable name was missing.
Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren was left out of tonight's lineup, making many question his future:
Following this report, NHL insider Elliot Friedman made sure to point this out in a new article: 32 Thoughts: How Igor Shesterkin's next contract will change the market
In this article, Elliotte Friedman points out how Liljegren has been knocked down on the depth chart, writing:
The 25 year old from Sweden was drafted by the Maple Leafs back in 2017 as the 17th overall pick. Since being drafted, Liljegren has travelled back and forth from the AHL to the NHL, but finding much more playing time in the past few seasons.
Following a career best in the 2021-2022 season, the Maple Leafs signed Liljegren on a 2-year deal for $2.8 million. Then, after impressing the team even more, the Maple Leafs once again extended his contract and the two agreed on a 2-year deal for $6 million ahead of this season.
Even with this signing, the Maple Leafs still may want to trade Liljegren away, due to what they may get in return. Liljegren has been playing consistent hockey these past few years, and does not seem to be slowing down at his young age.
The Maple Leafs and Liljegren are clearly not happy with whatever situation they having going on, and a trade may be best for both parties.
The Maple Leafs are looking for a change and will likely receive solid offers for Liljegren.
