Timothy Liljegren Sets the Record Straight on Recent Trade Rumors
The Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren opened up on the trade rumors surrounding him in a recent interview.
General Manager Brad Treliving made significant acquisitions this summer, especially at the Leafs blue line. By targeting players with a lot of playoff experience like Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, it's much harder to get a spot in the defensive unit than it was at the same time last year.
Players who have been in the Maple Leafs' system for a while like Conor Timmins and Timothy Liljegren were evaluated under a new eye, with head coach Craig Berube offering them a fresh start. For the first three games of the season, we've seen the same defensemen in uniform: Chris Tanev, Morgan Rielly, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jake McCabe, Conor Timmins, and Simon Benoit.
As you can see, Liljegren didn't get the opportunity to play so far, which left many people believing he could be traded. Even though rumors started last summer, with Liljegren being off the ice as the seventh defenseman on the Leafs lineup, it doesn't mean the team is looking to trade him.
The insider Elliotte Friedman heard that the team permitted Liljegren to speak to other teams. Contenders to land him on the trade market even started to emerge. Timothy Liljegren was finally asked to comment on the situation. He stated that he'd rather be playing, and all he can do is work harder to get a lineup spot.
In his own words:
If something happens, it happens."
Liljegren is poised to play soon. After all, injuries are common in the NHL and unless the Leafs are extremely lucky, Liljegren will have his shot when a defenseman inevitably misses time due to health issues.
But even if everyone remains healthy, teams interested in getting him on the trade market will likely want to see what he can do on the ice before paying the price to get him.
I think the Leafs will look at all their options on the trade market to get the best possible lineup going into the playoffs. It wouldn't be surprising to see all their extra assets being moved if they can get something interesting in return.
