What’s the latest on Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren? Could he be a trade target for the struggling Oilers? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST ON LILJEGREN
TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren could make his season debut on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings.
The 25-year-old blueliner was a healthy scratch in the Leafs’ first three games of this season. He’s in the first season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren (NHL Images).
Liljegren’s become the subject of trade speculation. However, he said he’s not paying attention to it and isn’t on social media.
THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes keeping Liljegren in the press box won’t improve his value in the trade market. He anticipates the rearguard could become part of a salary dump at some point and questions why the Leafs bothered to sign him at all this summer.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that he’d heard Liljegren had permission to speak with other teams but the Leafs denied this, claiming it’s not true. He thinks they’re trying to be patient with Liljegren and he’s saying he wants to play.
Liljegren’s salary is an issue for the cap-strapped Leafs. They currently have three players (Calle Jarnkrok, Connor Dewar and Jani Hakanpaa) on long-term injury reserve but they will eventually return to the lineup.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau listed the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers as potential trade destinations.
All four teams need depth on the right side of their blueline. The Ducks, Sharks and Blues have the salary cap space to take on Liljegren’s cap hit.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Liljegren could become a salary-cap casualty later this season. That would leave the Leafs with little leverage if they attempt to move him. Interested parties could insist they retain salary in the deal or include a sweetener like a draft pick or prospect.
THE ATHLETIC: The Edmonton Oilers’ 0-3-0 start to this season has Allan Mitchell wondering if a significant trade might be in their future.
There are signs the Oilers are trying to add to their blueline. Recent reports have linked them to unrestricted free-agent defensemen Kevin Shattenkirk and Mark Giordano.
Mitchell wondered if the Oilers might target Liljegren. He noted the Leafs blueliner would cost the most to acquire, including likely draft picks to the Leafs. Shattenkirk or Giordano would only require a contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those options are great for the Oilers. Shattenkirk and Giordano are well past their “best-before” dates and there’s no certainty Liljegren will improve the Oilers’ porous defense.
Mitchell believes Oilers management will remain patient and allow more time for new blueline additions like Ty Emberson and Travis Dermott to settle in. However, he acknowledged the pressure for change could mount if the losses pile up.