Liljegren, an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent, has the Maple Leafs staring down th possibility of conceding their rights to the player out of fear of overpayment.
Liljegren, an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent, has the Maple Leafs staring down th possibility of conceding their rights to the player out of fear of overpayment.
LAS VEGAS — Although the Toronto Maple Leafs have identified acquiring defensemen as a top priority this summer, club GM Brad Treliving addressed the future of some of his restricted free agents. Most notably, Timothy Liljegren's status.
The 25-year-old Swede's rights belong to the Maple Leafs and the club needs to extend him a qualifying offer of $1.5 million (his salary from 2023-24) in order to retain his rights.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuDziszaEYE[/embed]
Seems like a no-brainer.
The problem is, that Liljegren is eligible for arbitration and Treliving indicated on Wednesday that the club doesn't want to be stuck in a situation where they must pay him a number higher than what they are willing to spend under their existing cap constraints.
"I've been in touch with his camp to see if there's a number that can work. But that's certainly a consideration," Treliving said. "Having the higher the number, you got to see how that fits in the puzzle as well."
Over the last few years, a flat salary cap has seen many teams decide to relinquish the rights to restricted free agents for fear that a high arbitration award would handcuff their ability to build their respective roster. The Leafs went through this in 2022 when they elected not to qualify restricted free agent Ondrej Kase, despite interest in retaining the player. Kase instead signed a deal with the Washington Capitals later that summer.
The NHL arbitration walkway number has been set at $4.74 million, according to PuckPedia.com.
So if Liljegren goes to arbitration and is awarded $4,739,999, or less, the Leafs will have no choice but to honor the deal. The Leafs have just under $20 million in cap space and would preferably not have to have Liljegren occupy the maximum he could get.
The decision is difficult.
The Leafs have until June 30 at 5 p.m. ET to extend Liljegren a qualifying offer. If they don't, he will become an unrestricted free agent and can then sign with any club he chooses. That doesn't mean the end of Liljegren's tenure. But certainly, he will be able to shop around.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP3GQFVgn1E[/embed]
Liljegren had three goals and 20 assists in 55 games this season. He played in six of the seven games against the Boston Bruins in the club's first-round playoff exit where he averaged 17:52 of ice time.
Connor Dewar is also a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, but given Liljegren's role as a defenseman, his award would certainly pose a higher risk than that of Dewars.
Related
News from THN.com
Oilers on the Verge of Becoming the Most Unlikely, Memorable Cup Champs in NHL History
NHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest on Pavel Buchnevich, Logan Couture and Cam Atkinson
Dallas Stars' Jim Nill Joins Elite Company With GM of the Year Award Win