The Toronto Maple Leafs may still make roster adjustments before or during the regular season, depending on how new head coach Craig Berube sets the lineup and finalizes his decisions. Recent reports suggest that defenseman Timothy Liljegren could be on the trading block due to the team’s ongoing salary cap challenges as they approach their season opener on Oct. 9. Despite Liljegren signing a two-year, $6 million contract on June 30, he’s fallen down the depth chart, spending recent practices with the extras and players likely to be cut from training camp.
Liljegren’s $3 million cap hit is likely a major reason the team is considering moving him, as it would provide the Maple Leafs with the flexibility they need to manage the salary cap and potentially accommodate signings like Max Pacioretty. According to The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel, the Leafs were open to trading Liljegren during the summer, and even though they brought him back on a new deal, his future with the team is still in question. Siegel noted that Liljegren was left skating with the extras during Friday’s practice, while Conor Timmins was seen taking a spot on the third defensive pair, indicating Liljegren might be left out of the opening night lineup.
Adding to Liljegren’s uncertainty, Coach Berube provided some candid feedback on his preseason performance, suggesting the defenseman needs to improve. Berube emphasized that Liljegren should simplify his game, move the puck faster, and be more physical in his battles. “He has to do things quicker… and simplify the game,” Berube said. This critique highlights that Liljegren may not fit into Berube’s vision for the team, making him a likely trade candidate as the Leafs look for more roster flexibility.
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