Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable
‘Maple Leafs Like The Fact They Have Depth In That Position’: Why Timothy Liljegren Could Make Season Debut Against Kings Amid Trade Speculation
Liljegren has been the subject of trade rumors after being a healthy scratch for the Leafs' first three regular season games.
After sitting out of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first three regular season games, all signs point towards Timothy Liljegren making his 2024-25 debut when the club hosts the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday.
On Tuesday’s edition of TSN’s Early Trading, NHL insider Darren Dreger addressed Liljegren’s likely return, noting how it reflects Toronto’s depth on defense and could impact ongoing trade speculation surrounding the 25-year-old blueliner.
“Defensively you’re going to see some changes here,” Dreger said. “I believe that Timothy Liljegren will draw back into the lineup against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. Maybe this fuels more of the trade speculation around Timothy Liljegren or maybe some of it fades. Look, the Maple Leafs like the fact that they have depth in that position.”
At practice over the past two days, Liljegren has skated on the third pairing alongside Simon Benoit, replacing Conor Timmins, who held the spot in the first three games and recorded an assist during that stretch. Dreger also further emphasized that the Leafs’ ability to rotate personnel on defense has been a focus early in the season.
“Conor Timmins had a real good training camp and a decent preseason, he fit the eye of new head coach Craig Berube and the coaching staff so they wanted to give him a look,” Dreger explained.
“But, it’s also important to get Liljegren on his game at the NHL once again and also to prove to everybody, including the Leafs organization, that they believe depth matters. Timothy Liljegren should be on that third pairing with Simon Benoit tomorrow against L.A.”
After Monday’s practice, head coach Craig Berube praised Liljegren’s effort in his assessment of the defenseman, stating that he’s continued to work hard in practice and become quicker in his decision-making. As he’s remained out of regular season action, simplicity has remained a key objective in his approach ahead of his return.
“I think he's been practicing well,” Berube said. “I've talked to him a little bit ago and I think his practice is even better. More intensity. Doing things quicker. Chance is he'll play on Wednesday.”
For Liljegren, watching from the press box has been difficult.
“Yeah, no, 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 following Monday’s practice. “We’ll see what happens, but that’s my approach. I talked to Chief and it’s more like playing a little easier, like a simpler game. That’s it. Play hard. Hard and simple.”
When asked about the potential pairing with Simon Benoit, Liljegren expressed confidence, albeit from limited experience playing in just one preseason game together.
“I played one pre-season game with him and I thought we played fine. He’s a big body, plays a simple game so I’m sure it will suit me.”
Regardless of what happens on Wednesday, the situation will continue to be monitored closely. The Swede signed a two-year, $6 million contract in the offseason, but has yet to play in any action out of training camp.
As Dreger mentioned, his play could either cool or intensify trade rumors, depending on how he responds to this opportunity. For now, the Maple Leafs are banking on their defensive depth paying dividends as they juggle personnel to find the right balance early in the season.
While no trade is imminent, Liljegren’s role over the coming weeks could reveal much about his future with the team. Whether he locks down a permanent spot or continues to rotate in and out, the next stretch of games will be telling.
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