Toronto Maple Leafs trade Timothy Liljegren to San Jose Sharks in exchange for Matt Benning

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Graham Montgomery
October 30, 2024 (8:58 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Matt Benning as well as multiple draft picks.

NHL insider Chris Johnston was first to report the news this afternoon just moments ago. He confirmed that the Leafs have delt Liljegren to the Sharks in exchange for defenseman Matt Benning as well as a 3rd round draft pick in the 2025 draft and a 6th round pick in the 2026 draft.

This is a huge deal for the Leafs, who have been rumored to be shopping Liljegren for some time now. Benning is almost certainly seen as a downgrade over Liljegren, but he may be a better fit in Craig Berube's system. After all, Liljegren was sitting in the press box every night so he can't possibly provide anything less than that.

For the Sharks, they add another young defenseman with offensive upside and substantially improve the right side of their defense with the move. This comes at a great time for the team as well as they have built momentum with their first two wins of the season coming on back-to-back nights. Now Liljegren will join them and should give them a better chance to win every night.

Notably, the 3rd round pick in the deal is conditional. Currently, the Sharks own both the Oilers and Avalanche 3rd rounders this year. Toronto will receive whichever of the two picks ends up being higher.

Be sure to tune in for more updates on this developing story.