RHD; Timothy Liljegren, 20, 6’0, 193
AHL (GP; 38, G; 5, A; 24, PTS; 29)
NHL (GP; 4, G; 0, A; 0, PTS; 0)
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.
Liljegren’s confidence is evident as he has a willingness to move the puck wherever he wants. Liljegren has the ability to weave in and out of oncoming forecheckers, if he so chooses.
What is evident is that Liljegren is a clear upgrade on Cody Ceci, I feel confident that when Ceci is healthy, Liljegren will stay in the lineup.
Liljegren had posted 13 points in his last 13 games with the Marlies before being called up to the Leafs, what makes this more impressive is that Liljegren is one point shy of reaching a season-high across his three AHL seasons.
Keefe has shown plenty of confidence in Liljegren, playing him on the top pair, alongside Rasmus Sandin on the Marlies, but that hasn’t happened on the Toronto Maple Leafs. it’s not really a concern, due to Liljegren and Sandin being rookies. Liljegren has averaged 10 minutes of ice time with the Leafs, but next year that will most likely rise significantly.
ETA; Now
Potential; Top 4, puck moving defenseman with a strong offensive 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 decision making ability with the puck.