Recently Traded Timothy Liljegren Sends Emotional Goodbye to Maple Leafs Fans

Given that Liljegren did not fit the description of the type of defenseman that Brad Treliving and Craig Berube were looking for, it was somewhat surprising when the Leafs announced in June that they had signed him to a two-year extension.

Liljegren started the season as a healthy scratch and has only skated in one of the Leafs' ten games thus far. He had a lackluster training camp and was the odd man out.

Reports circulated that the former first-round pick had discreetly made an informal trade request while he was a routine scratch. In an attempt to free up cap space, the Leafs traded Liljegren to San Jose on Wednesday in exchange for two draft picks and Matt Benning.

Liljegren shared a series of photos from his time in Toronto on Instagram along with a heartfelt message to the city and organization after learning of the trade.

Although he was "sad" to hear the news, fellow Swede William Nylander believes it's the right thing for the 25-year-old blueliner.

When Liljegren played for the Leafs, he wasn't the most visually appealing or conspicuous player, but he was good at moving the puck and using his skating skills to get out of trouble. Unfortunately, he frequently made big mistakes that led to him being moved down the lineup and eventually to the press box, especially during the playoffs.

Rasmus Sandin and Liljegren were expected to be two pillars of the Leafs' blueline going forward, but both have since been traded out of town for veteran journeymen blueliners who play a rougher, more physical brand of hockey and draft picks. With a rebuilding Sharks team that won its first game of the season this past weekend, Liljegren should have plenty of opportunities.

We wish him Good luck out west.