Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
A former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman has found his way on the trade block as he loses his place in the lineup and is starting to gain traction regarding a deal.
According to a report from The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, the San Jose Sharks are looking at dealing former Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren.
Pagnotta reports that Liljegren, 26, is not viewed as a long-term option by a San Jose team looking to be buyers in a stacked Western Conference.
The Sharks have become instant contenders by the emergence of young forwards Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith as key to a rebuild progressing faster than initially anticipated.
Drafted by Toronto in the first period of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, 17th overall, Liljegren was traded to the Sharks early last season in exchange for defenseman Matt Benning and two draft picks, a 2025 third and a 2026 sixth.
Liljegren has a goal and 11 points in 42 games for San Jose, although playing just over 20 minutes a night for the Sharks, while having rotated in and out of the second penalty killing unit.
Liljegren had a goal in San Jose’s game Wednesday vs. the Colorado Avalanche, his first of the season.
The Sharks sit sixth in the Pacific Division, five points back of a wild card spot, holding a 27-24-4 record this season.
What the news means for Timothy Liljegren’s future
San Jose appears likely to deal Timothy Liljegren ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline on Mar. 6th. Liljegren is in the final season of his current contract, and carries a $3M AAV for 2025-26.
Despite being part of the Sharks current top-four, and playing on a right side lacking in options, it would appear that the Sharks are aiming for an upgrade defensively, and Liljegren could be swapped out to do so.
Not expected to be in their long-term future, Liljegren would still extract value as a young RHD who can contribute at both ends of the ice.
With the Sharks a forward-heavy team, it could be possible they use some of their current assets up front to foster a move to add on defense, San Jose also having still more youth available in their prospect pool.
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A former Leafs defenceman is being shopped again, and this time the reason is clearer
Should the Leafs look at re-acquiring Timothy Liljegren?