'If Something Happens, It Happens': Signs Point to Timothy Liljegren Making Maple Leafs' Season Debut Against Kings on Wednesday
Liljegren has been a healthy scratch for the club's first three games this season amid reports of the defender being shopped to other clubs.
After a September of uncertainty, Timothy Liljegren may finally make his Toronto Maple Leafs' season debut.
"Chance is he'll play on Wednesday," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said following the team's practice at Ford Performance Centre on Monday.
Liljegren skated on the club's third defensive pair during the session alongside Simon Benoit, the first hint that Liljegren appeared to factor into the club's plans for when they host the Los Angeles Kings at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old defenseman has been a healthy scratch for the club's first three games this season. Signed to a two-year extension worth an average of $3 million per year back in June, Liljegren couldn't quite put his finger on what led to him sitting out following his training camp.
"Yeah, not fun not playing, but I’ve been trying to come in, work as hard as I can to get back in the lineup," Liljegren said. "We’ll see what happens, but that’s my approach."
Liljegren has been the subject of much trade talk, particularly before the regular season started when it became apparent he wasn't skating in the club's top-six defensive group. All while Toronto maneuver around the salary cap.
The Leafs managed to fit Liljegren onto their 23-man roster, while placing two different players (Jan Hakanpaa and Calle Jarnkrok) on long-term injured reserve.
Liljegren tried to stay away from the speculation over his future.
"I try not to think about it. I’m not really on social media that much so I don’t see a lot of stuff," he said. "If something happens, it happens, but I’m just coming in and working hard.
Lilejgren said he has been struggling to find his way under Berube's camp. He was held out of the club's final pre-season game against the Detroit Red Wings, another indication of him being on the outside looking in.
The defenseman told The Hockey News during camp that he was working on his conditioning in the offseason, in particular making sure he would be less tired at the end of long shifts in an effort to make better decisions when pinned in his own zone.
When asked why he felt camp didn't go the way he thought it would. Liljegren didn't have a clear answer.
"I tried my best, but it didn’t go my way, so I’ve just been trying to come in and work hard."
If Liljegren draws in, he'll likely come in for Conor Timmins. The latter defenseman took a pair of penalties over the last couple of games.
"I think he's been practicing well," Berube said of Liljegren. "I've talked to him a little bit ago and I think his practice is even better. More intensity. Doing things quicker."
Quick and thoughtful decision-making appears to be key to Liljegren's future with the Leafs. Liljegren has acknowledged this as a problem in his game. No stranger to adversity with the Leafs with every season he's been in the organization since he was drafted in the first round (17th overall) in the 2017 NHL Draft, the Swede will have to prove himself yet again.
"I had some tough times last year too and I got through it so I’m sure it will be no different this time," Liljegren said.
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