Timothy Liljegren appears to have taken the next step in his development
Yesterday marked the initial two-week mark of TJ Brodie's injury and when the Leafs expected him back in the lineup. Unfortunately, things have progressed slow in his recovery, and although he is close, it could still be a few games before we see him back in the lineup.
Brodie has been the most consistent and reliable partner since his arrival for Morgan Rielly and Rielly has played some of his best hockey with Brodie alongside him. Since his injury however, and Rielly's return, Rielly has somewhat struggled playing with a variety of partners. Sheldon Keefe has attempted to find the right fit with Brodie out and it finally appears that he has done so with Timothy Liljegren.
In three games with a mix-and-match partner, Rielly had gone minus 5 and held without a point. Since Liljegren has taken over the right side on the top pairing, Rielly has 2 assists and is plus 3 in the three games with Liljegren. While it almost certainly won't be a pairing once Brodie returns, Liljegren has helped stabilize the top pairing and has provided Rielly with a dependable partner that has allowed him to play more offensively.
Liljegren has continuously taken progressive steps in his development this season and this is another one. He has been playing very well as of late, against opponents' top lines and handling the minutes with ease almost. With Justin Holl being a UFA at the end of the season, having Liljegren develop the way he has this season defensively, will help lessen the blow should they be unable to resign Holl.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 22 | 208 ANSWERS Timothy Liljegren appears to have taken the next step in his development Is Timothy Liljegren a legit top pairing defenseman? | ||
| Yes | 110 | 52.9 % |
| No | 25 | 12 % |
| Not yet, but he will be | 73 | 35.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
