REPORT: BAD News for the Toronto Maple Leafs to start the season

PUBLICATION

Ryan
September 21, 2022 (1:56 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

For years now one of the biggest flaws of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been their defence. They have so much money committed to their top 2 lines that they have little remaining to commit to the defensive pairs.

Back in 2017, the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Timothy Liljegren with their first round pick, and they've been slowly developing him in the AHL. Last season he took a big step and played his first full year in the NHL, getting into 61 games and scoring 5 goals and 23 points.

Liljegren was expected to play a huge role on the Maple Leafs this year, and currently is projected according to Daily Faceoff, to be the top pair partner with Morgan Reilly.

Unfortunately though for both Liljegren and the Maple Leafs, he has to undergo surgery and will miss the next 6 weeks, so missing the first month of the season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without Timothy Liljegren to start the season due to hernia surgery. pic.twitter.com/wgrk9jXBGi� Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 21, 2022

While this doesn't seem like that much, missing training camp and the first week puts a player far behind the 8 ball. Those who miss this crucial time of training and the first few weeks of the season where everyone is getting into form normally do not have as good of a season.

Let's hope he heals up fast and can jump right into game action, not missing a step.