Reporter Identifies the Most Likely Landing Spots for Leafs Defenseman Timothy Liljegren
Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren requested a trade out of Toronto, and one reporter believes these are the most likely landing spots for the 25-year-old.
It was when the Maple Leafs signed him to a two-year extension in June, that it appeared as though Timothy Liljegren was set to take on a much larger role with the team this season. Unfortunately, a very lackluster training camp has Liljegren at the bottom of the Leafs' depth chart on the blueline. Now, a trade scenario seems like the most likely outcome.
On the first edition of 'Saturday Headlines' this weekend, Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Leafs would rather hold onto Liljegren than trade him, but that the 25-year-old defenseman wants to play and is quietly trying to force his way out. With Liljegren requesting a fresh start, one reporter, Josh Wegman of The Score, has identified a few of the most likely landing spots for Liljegren.
Wegman listed the Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, LA Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins as potential suitors for the former first-round pick. With the of the 5 teams mentioned being Western Conference teams, it seems like a fairly solid chance that Liljegren heads West if dealt.
For the Stars and Oilers, acquiring Liljegren would be an upgrade on the right sides of their bluelines over the likes of Nils Lundkvist (Dallas) and Travis Dermott (Edmonton). The Panthers and Kings may not see Liljegren as an upgrade, but it would provide the Panthers with a second right-shot behind Aaron Ekblad and the Kings with someone that can eat up some of Drew Doughty's minutes while he's sidelined due to injury.
While any of these teams could benefit from bringing Liljegren in, the most logical landing spot would be with Kyle Dubas and the Penguins due to the familiarity and the fact that LIljegren would provide a significant upgrade over rookie Jack St. Ivany on the Pens' right side.
Should the Leafs decide to finally move on from Liljegren, it likely will not be until they get him into a few games to showcase him at the very least. For them to trade him now would not make sense as his value is the lowest it could be.
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