Ex-Maple Leafs Defenseman Timothy Liljegren Releases Heartfelt Message Following Trade

It was seen as a bit of a surprise when the Leafs announced they signed Liljegren to a two-year extension in June, given he did not fit the mold of what Craig Berube and Brad Treliving prefer in a defenseman.

Liljegren didn't have an overly impressive training camp and found himself as the odd man out, beginning the season as a healthy scratch and only skating in one of the Leafs' 10 games so far this season.

Amid being a routine scratch, reports surfaced that the former first-round pick had quietly submitted an informal trade request. On Wednesday, Liljegren got his wish as the Leafs traded him to San Jose for a pair of draft picks and Matt Benning in an effort to free up cap space.

Upon news of the trade, Liljegren took to Instagram and posted a series of pictures of his time in Toronto with a heartfelt message to the organization and city.

Liljegren was never the flashiest or most noticeable player when he played for the Leafs, but he was effective at moving the puck and using his skating to get himself out of trouble. Unfortunately, when he made a mistake, it was often a big one, and it usually resulted in him being shuffled down the lineup and ultimately to the press box - specifically in the playoffs.

Liljegren, along with Rasmus Sandin, were supposed to be two cornerstones for the future of the Leafs' blueline, but both have now been shipped out of town for draft picks and veteran journeymen blueliners that play a more bruising and physical style of hockey. Liljegren should get lots of opportunity on a rebuilding Sharks team that picked up its first win of the season this past weekend. Best of luck out West, Lilly.