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Toronto Maple Leafs: Expect Timothy Liljegren in the NHL Next Season

By James Tanner

TORONTO , ON- APRIL 15 - Marlies April 15 Toronto Marlies Tim Liljegren goes to the net against the Belleville Senators in the second at the Ricoh Centre on Sunday. April 15, 2018. (Rene Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO , ON- APRIL 15 - Marlies April 15 Toronto Marlies Tim Liljegren goes to the net against the Belleville Senators in the second at the Ricoh Centre on Sunday. April 15, 2018. (Rene Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Timothy Liljegren 17th overall last season.

As has been well documented, Liljergren was ranked #2 overall last year in the predraft rankings, until he caught mono and had his season derailed.  Teams passed on him and he fell into the Toronto Maple Leafs lap at 17.

Liljegren was the second youngest player in the American Hockey League in 2017-18, and he scored a respectable 17 points in 44 games.  Additionally, he added four assists in 20 playoff games.

These are not particularly good numbers, but consider that most players his age – if they aren’t NHL-ready superstars – return to junior for another season.  Because the Leafs drafted him from Europe (he played in Sweden) and not any of the Canadian junior leagues, he was allowed to play in the AHL.

Toronto Maple Leafs

If Liljegren never had mono, and he was a top three pick in the draft, he’d likely already have been in the NHL.  I read on sportsnet that said he was suffering the effects even this season after having “came back too early.”   So even with only scoring one goal all season, I think he’ll be a Leaf next year.

The reasoning is this: despite the sheltered minutes, despite the sporadic ice time, he got into 65 games this season against adults.  Word is, he looked good doing it.  That his defensive game grew by leaps and bounds and that his skating makes him a possession monster.

Most people do not think he will be in the NHL next year.  This may be the case, but many in the hockey world are hesitant to say anything that might be  considered a ‘hot take.’  They want to maintain their credibility by seeming reasonable.

Now, I don’t guarantee that he will make it, and I”m not just saying this to say it.  BUT anyone who can dominate an AHL game to the tune of 80% CF can probably play in the NHL.  Given his skating, speed, positioning and intelligence, he should be able to be – at worst –  competent replacement for Roman Polak.

It’s hard to make the point of just how bad Roman Polak is.  He was among the worst players in the NHL last year.  Few, if any, defenseman allowed as many shots against per minute of ice time as Polak did.  He has fans because he hits, but he is no longer an NHL quality player.

I find it hard to believe that Liljegren could be any worse.  They play the same position.  In fact, Liljegren, a right shooting defenseman, plays the one position the Leafs are weakest in. He has (essentially) no cap hit.

He’ll be in the NHL.  Players his age get better quickly, and not much (I assume) can help a player grow more than 20 playoff games and a championship in the worlds second or third best hockey league.

Next: Roundtable: What Will Leafs Do at the Draft?

Expect Liljegren to make the Leafs out of camp next season and line up on the third pairing with Travis Dermott, making up one of the NHL’s most exciting young defensive pairings.

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