The Toronto Maple Leafs may still make some roster adjustments before or during the regular season, as new head coach Craig Berube finalizes the lineup. Recent reports suggest that the team is considering trading defenseman Timothy Liljegren, despite signing him to a two-year, $6 million deal on June 30. With the Leafs facing salary cap constraints ahead of their Oct. 9 season opener, Liljegren, who has slipped down the depth chart and has been training with reserve players, might be moved to free up his $3 million cap hit and provide the team with greater roster flexibility.
Jonas Siegel from The Athletic reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs are open to trading Timothy Liljegren, which raises doubts about his long-term future with the team, even if no deal materializes in the immediate future.
On Friday, Jonas Siegel reported that “the Leafs were open to trading Timothy Liljegren in the summer as the threat of arbitration loomed.” Although they re-signed him to a two-year deal, Liljegren has since dropped down the depth chart and may be out of the opening night lineup. Siegel observed that in Friday’s practice, Conor Timmins was slotted into a right-side position on a potential third defensive pair, while Liljegren skated with the extras.

Due to salary cap challenges and the need for roster flexibility to accommodate the signing of Max Pacioretty and potentially another player, Timothy Liljegren appears to be a viable trade asset. Coach Craig Berube also added pressure on Liljegren with his comments, noting that the defenseman needs to improve after a subpar preseason. “(Liljegren) has to do things quicker. He has to be a little bit heavier in his battles, move the pucks quicker, and simplify the game,” Berube stated on Friday. He acknowledged Liljegren’s desire to be a consistent presence in the lineup but suggested that he may be taking on too much at times.
Berube commented, “If I had to say anything, it would be to simplify his game a little bit more and do your job as a defenseman killing plays and being heavy.” These remarks indicate that Liljegren may not align with the style Berube envisions for the team this season, positioning him as a strong candidate for a trade.