Canucks reportedly very high on Leafs defenseman
The Vancouver Canucks are expected to be one of the busier teams at the upcoming NHL trade deadline, and per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks reportedly have interest in Leafs defenseman, Timothy Liljegren.
The 22-year-old has had an up and down season with the Leafs but there have been more ups than downs. He is still young and would definitely help out a re-tooling Canucks team. Friedman has speculated as of late that the Leafs have interest in Canucks forward J.T. Miller and defender Luke Schenn. Miller is having a career year this season and, with another year of term on his deal, the price for his services will be high. Perhaps there is a deal to be made surrounding Liljegren and Miller.
If the Leafs were to trade for J.T. Miller, they'll certainly be giving more than just Liljegren. That being said, the Swedish blueliner is young enough and a right-handed defenseman, two things that undoubtedly make him a premium trade chip.
Moving Liljegren wouldn't be ideal for the Leafs, but there are scenarios where trading him makes sense. It is a tough sell to move on from a young defender, but if he brings in a player that gets the Leafs closer to a Cup, it is something they should definitely at least consider.
In 34 games with the Buds this season, Liljegren has registered 1 goal - the first of his young NHL career - and 9 assists for a total of 10 points over that span.
