Toronto Maple Leafs: What Does the Newly Promoted Timothy Liljegren Bring to the Table

This morning the Toronto Maple Leafs called up Timothy Liljegren and Martin Marincin on an emergency basis.

After Tyson Barrie left Saturday nights game against Edmonton after blocking a shot, Kyle Dubas and the Toronto Maple Leafs knew there might have to be some changes to the blue line. Which is why they recalled Liljegren and Marincin.

Right now, the two are called up due to precautionary reasons; just in case Tyson Barrie cannot play on Tuesday.

Either way, this is a surprise move from the Toronto Maple Leafs. While Rasmus Sandin is playing for Team Sweden at the World Juniors, there was only one option; bring up Liljegren.

Sandin likely wouldn’t have been called up if he was still with the Toronto Marlies because he’s played six games in the NHL and if he reaches 10 — there goes one year of his entry-level contract.

So with bringing up Liljegren, you provide the Toronto Maple Leafs with a right-shot defenseman, who’s improved in his time with the Marlies.

What will Liljegren provide to the Toronto Maple Leafs (if he plays)?

One aspect of his game that’s come a long way this season is power play production. He leads all defensemen and is 2nd on the Toronto Marlies in power play points (1G, 6A).

I highly doubt he joins the team and is right away on the first power play unit, but that’s part of his game that’s improved and could do well with the Toronto Maple Leafs. And since Barrie hasn’t played well since getting an opportunity on the first the power play unit (1G), Liljegren could do just as well.

He also provides a right-shot that throughout the years, the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t had a lot of. With the now abundance of right-handed defensemen now — why not use it to your advantage?

While Liljegren does have his ups-and-downs with the Marlies, this could be his best NHL stint yet. Toronto Maple Leafs head coach, Sheldon Keefe knows how to use him effectively and he could get the minutes too, so why not?

It’s a big transition — some players do well, some do not. It’s likely that, if he does play, he will be put in a position to succeed more than anything. If he doesn’t play, there might be an opportunity looming later this season.

While it’s likely not the start of the transition for both Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin, it’s a chance up with the big club. It’s an opportunity for the 20-year-old that he won’t take for granted.