Elliotte Friedman believes the Maple Leafs gave permission to Timothy Liljegren to speak with other teams
Photo credit: Jerome Miron - USA Today Sports
Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs gave permission to Timothy Liljegren to speak with other organizations, even if the team denied it.
So far, the Toronto Maple Leafs are off to a great season start, with a 2-1 record. Under Craig Berube, some players are thriving, while others are struggling to have an impact on the ice for the team. While it's too early to be worried, Auston Matthews has notably failed to add his name to the scoresheet yet. Following a 69-goal season, it's surprising to see the Leafs captain goalless within the first three games.
However, another player hasn't been able to help the team for a simple reason: he didn't get a chance to be in the lineup.
25-year-old defenseman Timothy Liljegren has been scratched by Craig Berube since the season started, which led to a lot of rumors about his future with the Leafs.
Elliotte Friedman believes that Liljegren, the seventh defenseman on the Leafs' lineup, wants to play. If that's the case, he could be unhappy with his place on the Leafs' lineup and looking to request a trade.
The Fourth Period's David Alter also shared similar information:
Friedman added that the Leafs are patient with him, and the team denied they permitted other teams to talk with the player. However, his sources suggested otherwise earlier this year.
Here's what the insider said on Hockey Night in Canada:
"Toronto is preaching patience with this... however, he is a 25-year-old player and he wants to play.
I had heard this week that he had some permission to talk to other teams, the Maple Leafs have denied that and said it's not true."
I had heard this week that he had some permission to talk to other teams, the Maple Leafs have denied that and said it's not true."
At this point of the season, it's too early to know exactly what will happen to Liljegren. It wouldn't be surprising to see him back on the lineup soon. If the Leafs decide to trade him, other teams will likely want to see him play before paying to acquire him. And if Toronto decides to keep him, he will certainly get an opportunity to play at some point in the next few games.
Either way, Liljegren should play his first game of the season soon.
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