Are the Leafs preparing for a Timothy Liljegren Trade?
Photo credit: NHL.com
Timothy Liljegren struggled for the Maple Leafs last season, is in need of a new contract and doesn't exactly fit the type of defenseman Brad Treliving covets.
The 25-year-old former first-round pick enters this off-season as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. Liljegren skated in just 55 games for the Leafs last season where he registered 3 goals and 23 points in what was the second year of a 2-year bridge deal that paid him $1.4M annually. With the Leafs and GM Brad Treliving looking to revamp the blueline into a bigger, more physical and longer blueline, Liljegren may be on his way out of Toronto. On Yesterday's 'Leaf Report' in an article for The Athletic today, Jonas Siegel said that it is very possible the Leafs look to deal the right-shot defenseman with James Mirtle agreeing.
"I think there is a case to be made, that it's time, but I wouldn't do it. The two reasons I wouldn't do it.
One I don't think you're getting much back because I don't think his value is very high and there's still a possibility that he can be something...Part of it is he needs a new contract and he has arbitration. It kind of just feels like it ends up in arbitration.," said Siegel
One I don't think you're getting much back because I don't think his value is very high and there's still a possibility that he can be something...Part of it is he needs a new contract and he has arbitration. It kind of just feels like it ends up in arbitration.," said Siegel
Mirtle said that the Leafs will take their time with Liljegren and wait to see what they accomplish in free agency. Should they be unable to land one or two of the top available defensemen, they have him as a safety blanket to play the right side.
"I don't think they're in a big rush to decide this right now because they need to get through free agency and the Marner process and see what happens.
Maybe if they acquire two right-shot defensemen then there isn't anywhere for Liljegren to play...Maybe they miss on them, they've got big holes on right defense. They've got a young defenseman that played 19 minutes a game last year in that position.
I think if they're able to do what they want to do which is make a more Treliving - Berube defense, get a little more muscle and experience back there then I can see Liljegren getting traded," said Mirtle, before explaining the only reason Liljegren would be traded. "The main reason I can see him getting traded is that he doesnt fit stylistically with Craig Berube."
Maybe if they acquire two right-shot defensemen then there isn't anywhere for Liljegren to play...Maybe they miss on them, they've got big holes on right defense. They've got a young defenseman that played 19 minutes a game last year in that position.
I think if they're able to do what they want to do which is make a more Treliving - Berube defense, get a little more muscle and experience back there then I can see Liljegren getting traded," said Mirtle, before explaining the only reason Liljegren would be traded. "The main reason I can see him getting traded is that he doesnt fit stylistically with Craig Berube."
Liljegren is due a qualifying offer of $1.5M if the Leafs want to retain his rights, but as Siegel said, there is a very good chance that the two sides meet in arbitration if the Leafs do not trade him beforehand.
Source: The Athletic
Liljegren Trade Coming?
Liljegren Trade Coming?
| POLL | ||
JUIN 14 | 272 ANSWERS Are the Leafs preparing for a Timothy Liljegren Trade? Should the Maple Leafs trade Liljegren? | ||
| Yes, he's nothing more than a third pair guy | 182 | 66.9 % |
| No, they need him as a right-shot and puck mover | 90 | 33.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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