Toronto Maple Leafs Commerce Timothy Liljegren To San Jose Sharks

The Toronto Maple Leafs and defenseman Timothy Liljegren are headed their separate methods.

The workforce introduced it traded Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks in alternate for defenseman Matt Benning, a third-round decide within the 2025 NHL draft and a sixth-round decide within the 2026 draft.

Because the Sharks at the moment possess third-round picks that initially belonged to the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche, and Toronto will obtain the earliest part of the three.

Liljegren, 25, solely performed in one in every of Toronto’s 10 video games up to now this season, final suiting up two weeks in the past towards the Los Angeles Kings. He recorded 13:55 of ice time and blocked two pictures. Philippe Myers additionally performed one recreation, whereas Conor Timmins performed within the different eight contests on the third pairing.

Liljegren practised as an additional on Wednesday, in keeping with The Hockey Information’ Maple Leafs website editor David Alter.

“We’re aggressive and we need to play, clearly,” Liljegren told reporters after practice. “So, it is a battle mentally to remain optimistic, however that is what I will do.”

In 55 video games final season, Liljegren recorded three targets and 20 assists for 23 factors whereas averaging 19:40 of ice time, a profession excessive. In 197 profession regular-season video games for the Maple Leafs, he had 14 targets and 51 assists for 65 factors in whole. He additionally signed a two-year contract value $3 million per yr on June 30.

The Maple Leafs drafted Liljegren seventeenth total in 2017, two picks earlier than the Sharks chosen present Ottawa Senators heart Josh Norris at No. 19. However now, Liljegren ought to get extra alternative and ice time in San Jose. Benning, a fellow right-handed shot, was on the third pair, however the Sharks’ different proper defensemen within the lineup are Cody Ceci and Jan Rutta.

Benning, 30, is within the third yr of a four-year contract carrying a $1.25-million cap hit. He is performed seven video games this season, averaging 13:02 of ice time and logging 9 hits and 10 blocks however no factors. His career-high 24 factors in a marketing campaign got here in 2022-23., however he missed most of final season after present process hip surgical procedure.

After the Boston Bruins chosen Benning a hundred and seventy fifth total within the 2012 NHL draft, Benning’s performed 464 profession regular-season video games between the Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators and Sharks. He is obtained 17 targets, 85 assists and 102 factors throughout 9 seasons.

With the third-rounder, the Leafs have 5 picks for the 2025 draft, with one choice in every of the second, third, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds.

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