5 destinations for a Toronto Maple Leafs / Timothy Liljegren trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be actively searching for a trade partner in regard to defenseman Timothy Liljegren. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Liljegren has fallen down the depth chart, which neither side is happy about, so a new landing spot would be best for the 25-year-old defenseman.

The Toronto Maple Leafs re-signed Liljegren on June 30th to a two-year, $6 million deal with a $3 million AAV. However, the Leafs new coach did not seem to even give him a chance, ignoring his 200 successful NHL games while favoring the size of other options.

Liljegren was a healthy scratch for the Leafs first game of the season on Wednesday against Montreal and again Thursday vs New Jersey . It appears that the Leafs are keen on making a massive unforced error and trading away a 25 year-old right-hander with 200 games of NHL experience where he consistently won his minutes. (All salary cap information from puckpedia.com)

Having a $3 million defenseman sit out as a healthy scratch is not good for either side. I'm sure there will be teams interested in acquiring Liljegren, so hopefully Leafs GM Brad Treliving can find the best outcome for Liljegren and the Leafs.

It's unclear what the Leafs will be trying to get in return for Liljegren, but with the Leafs so close to the salary cap, the asking price will likely be a prospect or draft picks. Sending him to a team that has the $3 million available would be easier, so that doesn't leave many teams to choose from. According to puckpedia.com, there are only eight NHL teams with enough free cap space to acquire Liljegren's full $3 million.

From those eight teams, I chose the five as being a good fit for Liljegren. Here's a look at those five teams.

Five trade destinations for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren

Utah HC

The Utah HC would love nothing more than to make the playoffs in their first season. GM Brad Armstrong would love to leave the team's time as the Arizona Coyotes in the rearview mirror. He is looking for bigger and brighter things in Utah. Adding a young, skilled defenseman like Liljegren could help them reach the postseason. Utah has $8.46 million in available cap space.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks look like they will again be among the NHL's worst teams heading into this season. They have a lot of talented players on their roster, but aren't done building. Adding Liljegren could allow the Blackhawks to send 21-year-old Nolan Allan down to the AHL if they don't think he's ready for the NHL. Having a puck-moving defenseman like Liljegren will benefit players like Connor Bedard, Taylor Hall, Tyler Bertuzzi, and others. The Blackhawks have $4.7 million in available cap space.

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators do not have much depth on their defense. Adding a player like Liljegren seems like a no-brainer for GM Barry Trotz. The Predators have six defensemen listed on their active roster of 22 players. Trotz has one roster spot available, and adding Liljegren would allow the Predators to rest 34-year-old Luke Schenn. The Predators have $4.77 million available in cap space.

Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks have eight defensemen on their active roster, but three of those are 20 or younger and waiver-exempt. Liljegren could easily replace one of those three and help the Ducks become a better team. Trevor Zegras, Mason MacTavish, and Troy Terry would benefit from having a passer like Liljegren on their team. The Ducks have $19.8 million in available cap space, which is more than enough to acquire Liljegren.

San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks have 15 forwards, and six defensemen on their active roster. Four of the 15 forwards can be sent down to the AHL as they are waiver-exempt. Waiving one of those players to add Liljegren seems like a good idea for the Sharks. They have $8.1 million is available cap space.