Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly shopping young defenseman as situation grows uncertain

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Tom Banks
October 10, 2024 (11:17)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a brutal loss in their home opener, and now it appears they're on the verge of moving Timothy Liljegren.

For months now, speculation has surrounded Toronto's Timothy Liljegren, despite him signing a two-year extension into the off-season, as he may be losing his spot in this crowded blue line.

After their season opening 1-0 shutout defeat to the Montreal Canadiens, top NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that those conversations have begun again, revealing that the front office is working hard to find a landing spot for Liljegren.

Sounds like Toronto is working to find a landing spot for Timothy Liljegren. He's down the depth chart, not a situation anyone is happy with.

Friedman indicates that neither side of this situation are exceedingly happy with the situation, and while it hasn't boiled over yet into the public eye, it's safe to say that could happen anytime. Last year, Liljegren tied his career high with 23 points in just 55 games played, but with off-season additions like Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a trade has seemingly been a long time coming.

While some expected Liljegren to take a spot in the Maple Leafs bottom-four, it appears his spot has been taken by Conor Timmins, and with Jani Hakanpaa there as depth, Liljegren has all of a sudden become expendable. It's unclear what teams out there will be suitors for him at this point, but with teams like the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers needing defenseman, he'll definitely have interest.

This speculation may come after a huge defeat against the rival Canadiens, but it's a trade that's been brewing for quite some time, and with Brad Treliving needing to push for a Stanley Cup, it's a trade that needs to happen.