Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren, 25, finds himself in a challenging situation. Though healthy and under contract for two more years with a $3 million AAV, Liljegren has only appeared in one game this season, slipping down Toronto’s depth chart. With Jani Hakanpää soon returning to health, the Maple Leafs face increased pressure to make a decision on Liljegren’s future.

Why Trade Liljegren Now?
With limited cap space—$1.18 million according to Puckpedia—and Liljegren sidelined, Toronto’s current approach may seem like poor cap management for a team with Stanley Cup ambitions. Their middling 4-4-1 start in a tight Atlantic Division only adds urgency to the situation. Trading Liljegren could free up space, improve their lineup, and strengthen their competitiveness.

Liljegren’s Potential Value
Liljegren is a dynamic player with 65 points across 197 NHL games, though his play can be inconsistent. He excels in possession and driving chances, yet he sometimes struggles defensively, which has led some teams to view him as a depth defenseman rather than a top-four option. Despite these concerns, he filled in admirably for injured players last season, averaging 19:40 minutes per game in top-four minutes.

Why the Sharks are Interested
San Jose could be one of the few teams well-positioned to make the most of a trade for Liljegren. With cap space to spare and a developing roster, the Sharks could use a young defenseman like Liljegren without impacting their timeline.

Potential Acquisition Routes for San Jose

1. Waiver Pickup: San Jose, last in the standings, could claim Liljegren off waivers if Toronto goes that route, but the Leafs are more likely to seek value through a trade.
2. Prospect Trade: The Sharks could offer prospects, though they may hold on to their top defensive assets. Forward prospects like Collin Graf or Thomas Bordeleau might be available, offering the Leafs future value.
3. Trade for Mario Ferraro: A more enticing scenario for both teams might involve swapping Liljegren for Mario Ferraro. Ferraro, signed at $3.25 million for two more years, would bring Toronto a reliable, left-side defenseman capable of taking heavy minutes and blocking shots. For the Sharks, the trade would add right-side depth and potentially pave the way for prospects like Shakir Mukhamadullin to step up.

Conclusion
A Liljegren-for-Ferraro trade could benefit both the Maple Leafs and the Sharks. The Leafs would strengthen their blue line without adding substantial salary, while the Sharks would gain flexibility on the left side and add a promising right-side option.