The Utah Hockey Club could target Toronto Maple Leafs’ blueliner Timothy Liljegren amid a series of key injuries.
Liljegren, who signed a two-year $6 million contract extension this past summer, has been the subject of consistent trade speculation after falling down the Toronto Maple Leafs depth chart. The Swedish blueliner is a right-hand shot, making him a suitable replacement for the injured Sean Durzi and John Marino.
Now, could Liljegren actually replace Durzi on the top pairing with Mikhail Sergachev? That remains to be seen. Liljegren has gotten multiple opportunities to play on the Leafs’ top pairing with Morgan Rielly but didn’t quite stick.
This season, the Leafs’ signing of free agent Chris Tanev pushed Liljegren down the depth chart. Then, Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s play during the preseason put Liljegren down in the third pairing. However, he’s failed to get into many games this season for Toronto.
As such, it could be that Liljegren just needs an opportunity to get back on his feet with another team willing to give him that shot.
It’s worth pointing out that insider Elliotte Friedman has reported that the Utah Hockey Club is looking to do everything it can to land a defenseman to support the team’s aching blueline. While Liljegren is not the only option out there, he could be a serviceable option at a low cost.
Thus far, there is nothing to suggest the Hockey Club is leaning toward one specific player or another. Moreover, there is no indication that a deal is in the pipeline. But it would be worth it for Utah to kick the tires on this much-maligned Leafs defenseman.
The cost to acquire Timothy Liljegren
Let’s now talk about the not-so-nice side of the equation. Acquiring Timothy Liljegren won’t come cheap. However, that cost wouldn’t be as high as one might think.
First of all, the Leafs need cap relief. As such, moving Liljegren would help the Leafs balance the books. So, Utah would actually be helping the Leafs by taking Liljegren’s contract off their hands.
So, based on that logic, getting a deal done could involve a combination of prospects or draft picks. For example, a couple of mid-round picks could move the needle. Perhaps a younger player and a second-round pick could make the deal more interesting.
The Leafs could also use more depth upfront so a non-roster forward plus draft picks could work. Leafs’ GM Brad Treliving has been vocal about trying to move Liljegren but not finding the right deal. If that’s the case, perhaps Utah could be motivated to work something out with Toronto.
Ultimately, Liljegren could be a solid low-risk proposition for the Hockey Club. He comes with a $3 million cap hit for two years. If he doesn’t work out, it wouldn’t cost the Club an arm and a leg. Plus, adding Liljegren now would go a long way toward solving a major hole in the Club’s blueline.
It’s a deal worth exploring.