Insider hints at trade’s brewing in Toronto!

Just prior to the opening day of Free Agency, the Maple Leafs brought back a piece to bolster the blue line in defenseman Timothy Liljegren, who agreed to a two-year, $6-million contract ($3 million AAV) in Toronto.

The signing did not however quiet down the trade chatter since now insider Chris Johnston believes the blue liner could still be traded by the Maple Leafs. Johnston explained how, despite his new contract, a Liljegren trade remains likely:

“We’ll see if Timothy Liljegren maybe still gets traded. I know he was signed to a two-year extension, but I don’t think you can entirely rule out a trade in his circumstance yet. They’re still going to keep chipping away at the roster.”

The Maple Leafs and general manager Brad Treliving were quite active since the start of free agency, adding Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, as well as Jani Hakanpaa, though the latter is dealing with significant injury issues that could hinder his contract in Toronto and even his career.

While Johnston believes a trade could still come for Liljegren, there was no mention on what the Maple Leafs could get in return for the blue liner. Last season, he had three goals and 20 assists last season in 55 regular season games. He also had one assist in six playoff games. Liljegren has spent all five of his NHL seasons with the Maple Leafs after being selected by Toronto in the first round, 17th overall, in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

Many believe Liljegren has not lived up to the expectations in Toronto, which could be an additional reason to why he remains on the trade block despite his new contract.

There is still a lot of time left prior to the 2024-25 season opener in October, and maybe GM Treliving will make more moves, one which could involve Liljegren has Johnston hinted to.