Toronto Maple Leafs steal Timothy Liljegren at #17.
The draft Gods smiled upon the Toronto Maple Leafs once again. Mark Hunter called it a “no-brainer” when the Leafs selected Liljegren at 17. The Leafs now have a potential top pairing fleet of foot, high-end RHD prospect. Before the 2016-17 season began, TSN analyst Craig Button had Liljegren ranked as high as 2nd overall after a promising d -1 season. Contracting Mononucleosis before the 2016-17 season began may have slowed his development, the potential is there for all to see.
Liljegren missed half the 2016-17 season. As a result, he spent his time playing catch-up. While an immediate recovery from sickness or injury is difficult for any athlete, it is close to impossible for a 17-year-old. Furthermore, bouncing between Rogle and their junior team further disrupted his season while affecting his rankings. Ultimately the fall in his ranking is due to his illness, time missed and a lack of conditioning and not a regression in his game.
Liljegren’s Fall, Leafs Gain
At the NHL Entry Draft, the Maple Leafs filled a hole in their organizational defensive depth by selecting Liljegren. He’s 6′ 192 lb and a right-handed defenceman. He is the third Swedish defender to join the organization since the end of the IIHF World Cup. The Leafs recently signed Calle Rosen 23, from Vaxjo HC and SHL Rookie of the year, Andreas Borgman 22, from HV71. Liljegren is an explosive skater who plays with the puck as if it’s on a string. His shot is described as heavy as a sledgehammer.
Liljegren’s Final draft rankings, June 23, 2017
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"#10 by Hockeyprospect.com#8 by ISS Hockey#22 by Future Considerations#20 by McKeen’s Hockey#6 by NHL Central Scouting (EU Skaters)#16 by TSN/McKenzieA skilled offensive defenseman with excellent skating skills. The way he combines his speed with strong puck-handling skills makes him a quite spectacular player to watch. Decision making is at times a bit questionable and there is some room for improvement. If he puts everything together, he should become a high scoring defenseman thanks to his hockey sense, quick release and strong passing game. eliteprospects.com"
The Leafs organization have made no comments on where the talented defender may play next season. In my opinion, another year of development with Rogel in the SHL will come as no surprise. The Leafs needed a right-handed defenceman who plays a puck moving possession style that fits with the existing young core. Liljegren was the best prospect to fill those needs.
Fans are excited to welcome Timothy Liljegren to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.
Your first look at @Timmeliljegren in a @MapleLeafs uniform. #TMLtalk #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/is5PgJImMq
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 24, 2017
Does Lou Lamoriello Have a Trade in the Works?
First of all, with ongoing chatter about the Leafs interest in Travis Hamonic, Lou Lamoriello and Garth Snow were spotted having a serious conversation on the draft floor. Rumour has it that Snow is asking two first round picks for the defenceman. For this reason, Lou should meet the price with two first round picks, in 2050 and 51. No team is going to cough up two first-round picks. Snow needs to improve the New York Islanders forward group. In addition, he must give John Tavares a reason to sign an extension. Recently, Snow swapped young centre Ryan Strome to the Edmonton Oilers for Jordan Eberle. Tavares will be a 27-year-old UFA in 2018 and will garner huge interest around the league.
Lastly, could Snow have an interest in JVR? Eberle and JVR would give Tavares the best wingers he has had in his career and help the Islanders reclaim a spot in the playoffs.