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Toronto Maple Leafs November Prospect Update Vol. 2- AHL

By Mark VanderLugt

TORONTO, ON- MAY 1 - Chris Mueller, #19, celebrates after scoring as the Toronto Marlies beat the Cleveland Monsters 5-2 in game one in the second round of the Calder Cup Play-offs in Toronto. May 1, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- MAY 1 - Chris Mueller, #19, celebrates after scoring as the Toronto Marlies beat the Cleveland Monsters 5-2 in game one in the second round of the Calder Cup Play-offs in Toronto. May 1, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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LAVAL, QC – NOVEMBER 13: Toronto Marlies defenceman Timothy Liljegren (7) looks for a pass target during the Toronto Marlies versus the Laval Rocket game on November 13, 2018, at Place Bell in Laval, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC – NOVEMBER 13: Toronto Marlies defenceman Timothy Liljegren (7) looks for a pass target during the Toronto Marlies versus the Laval Rocket game on November 13, 2018, at Place Bell in Laval, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

D; Timothy Liljegren, 20, 6’0, 193

At the time of the pick, Leafs nation were overjoyed with the fact, management managed to snag Liljegren in the first round, at the 17th pick.

Fast forward 2 and a half years, Liljegren’s development has been nothing short of polarizing. Liljegren was known as a high octane offensive defenseman. Heading into his draft year, he was projected to be a top 3 pick, but a case of Mono tanked his draft stock. Timothy being a right handed defenseman was nothing short of the perfect fit and best player available strategy pick for Toronto.

Being from Sweden, Liljegren was able to afford Toronto extra control on his development, close to headquarters. Timothy had his minutes controlled and was eased into the lineup. This allowed Timothy to develop and hone his game, to where he could be adequate in the Leafs lineup right now.

Liljegren has had an interesting development curve, he was protected in his first season and then was pushed hard to round out his defensive game last season.

This has given many fans the wrong impression of Liljegren and many have written him off. Seeing as Timothy is 20 years old and having played against men for the past 4 years (including Sweden), his development is going just fine.

We need to remain patient and confident about Liljegren, this season, he has seen an uptick in production, putting up 8 points in 10 games. Liljegren hasn’t posted more than 17 points and if he stays healthy this year, he will absolutely smash that benchmark.

Keefe has shown plenty of confidence in Liljegren, playing him on the top pair, alongside Rasmus Sandin.

ETA: 2020-21

Scouting report; Puck moving defenseman with a strong hockey IQ. Liljegren has an ability to log a lot of minutes as well. He has a solid frame for the NHL, but will need to continue to improve his speed and strength.

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