Liljegren was expected to be a mainstay for the Leafs this season after he signed a two-year extension with the club last June. However, things simply have not gone that way. After the team added depth to the blueline this summer, Liljegren found himself slipping down the depth chart, leading to him being a healthy scratch on opening night. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this month that the Leafs are shopping Liljegren. This would appear to be the best solution for both sides moving forward. Now it is being reported that several teams have shown interest in the 25-year-old, including the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and LA Kings.
Following the announcement, one fan joked that the Oilers would be a perfect fit considering the fact that the organization is already filled to the brim with former Leafs such as Zach Hyman.
With that being said, it sounds like the Oilers are going to have to outbid several teams if they want to add Liljegren to their group. In fact, the Dallas Stars have already been rumored to be looking to add defensemen via trade this season Now that Matt Duma is out of the lineup for the foreseeable future, there could be more pressure in Dallas to make an addition quickly.
The Stars still have not given us an update on Dumba's status, but he does not appear to be in the lineup tonight against the Seattle Kraken. Even if his injury is not as serious as we might think though, the team may still be interested in an upgrade on defense as their right side looks questionable to start the season. Like the Oilers though, they will have to outbid several other teams. General manager Jim Nill has already proved he can do this though when he acquired Chris Tanev last season. Regardless of what happens, we may very well see a big trade soon so be sure to keep an eye on the Maple Leafs as they decide what to do with Timothy Liljegren.
POLL | ||
Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will trade Timothy Liljegren before the trade deadline this season? | ||
Yes | 97 | 77 % |
No | 29 | 23 % |
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