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Toronto Maple Leafs December AHL Prospect Update

By Mark VanderLugt

TORONTO, ON- MAY 3 - Toronto Marlies forward, recently signed Egor Korshkov (96) skates in the warm-up, he was the Toronto Maple Leafs 2016 second-round pick as the teams warm up before Toronto Marlies play the Cleveland Monstersin game two of their second round Calder Cup play-off series at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto. May 3, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- MAY 3 - Toronto Marlies forward, recently signed Egor Korshkov (96) skates in the warm-up, he was the Toronto Maple Leafs 2016 second-round pick as the teams warm up before Toronto Marlies play the Cleveland Monstersin game two of their second round Calder Cup play-off series at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto. May 3, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
MONTREAL, QC – SEPTEMBER 23: Look on Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Timothy Liljegren (37) during the Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Montreal Canadiens preseason game on September 23, 2019, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

D; Timothy Liljegren, 20, 6’0, 193- AHL (GP; 25, G; 3, A; 13, PTS; 16) 

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

Fast forward two 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.

This is the second season in a row of having Liljegren on the top pair, which it looks as if Liljegren has taken another step in his development.

Timothy has posted 16 points in 25 games, this means he’s one point shy of reaching a season-high across his three AHL seasons. What makes this more impressive is that Liljegren has done it before Christmas. As long as Timothy stays healthy, he will breeze past his previous point totals.

Keefe has shown plenty of confidence in Liljegren, playing him on the top pair, alongside Rasmus Sandin. Liljegren has been able to develop his defensive game and his offensive game at the young age of 20, it appears Liljegren will be more than fine.

ETA; 2020-21, possible call up at this year’s trade deadline.

Potential; Top 4, 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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