Liljegren has played one game and sat as a healthy scratch for the other nine. And there doesn't appear to be a path for him to get back in.
Unless something changes in the not-too-distant future, it doesn't appear as though Timothy Liljegren is going to get back into the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup anytime soon.
The defenseman skated as an extra at practice o Wednesday, the club's first in five days.
With defenseman Jani Hakanpaa getting close to getting ready to return from a knee injury and eligible to be activated off the long-term injured reserve as soon as Nov 1, Liljegren appears further pushed down from the club's short-term plans.
Dealing with trade reports since signing a two-year, $6 million contract, Liljegren is doing his best to shut off the outside noise despite other teams having inquired about acquiring the player from Toronto.
"I'm just taking it day by day. I mean, coming in is trying to be positive. Work hard. Whatever happens will happen," Liljegren said. "My focus is here to get back and win."
The Swedish defenseman has played in just one of the club's first 10 games. But it's been a struggle for the player to get into the lineup.
As a professional, it's clear he wants to play.
"We're competitive and we want to play, obviously. So, it's a battle mentally to stay positive, but that's what I'm going to do," Liljegren said.
The Maple Leafs drafted Liljegren in the first round (17th overall) in the 2017 NHL Draft. He's been quite honest about not getting to his full potential
When approaching the final year of his entry-level contract during the 2021-22, he noted that it was time for him to take the next step to becoming an everyday NHL player. He played in 61 games that year, scoring five goals and adding 18 assists. He also earned himself a two-year extension.
Last season, Liljegren battled to stay in the lineup. Following the trade deadline, then-head coach Sheldon Keefe made it a point to keep him in the lineup on an everyday basis. He played in six of the club's seven playoff games in Toronto's first round loss to the Boston Bruins last spring.
Liljegren said he's talked to Berube about the situation and the message has been to just stay ready.
But with the Leafs having roster decision to make as Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar near a return to helahty, a decision will have to be made on Liljegren: Use him or move him.
"I haven't reached my potential yet, so. my confidence is good," Liljegren said. "Just trying to be ready.