Timothy Liljegren Breaks His Silence on Swirling Trade Rumours
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In a recent interview, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren discussed the trade rumors that have been circulating about him.
In spite of rumors that the defender might be traded to other teams, Liljegren has been a healthy scratch for the team's first three games this season.
As you can tell, many people thought Liljegren could be traded because he hasn't had a chance to play yet. Despite the fact that Liljegren is the seventh defenseman on the Leafs' roster and has been out of the ice since last summer, but this does not imply that the team is necessarily looking to trade him.
According to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, the team allowed Liljegren to communicate with other teams. He even began to attract competitors on the trade market. Finally, Timothy Liljegren was questioned about the circumstances. He said that all he can do is put in more effort to secure a spot in the lineup, but he would much rather be playing.
"Yeah, not fun not playing, but I've been trying to come in, work as hard as I can to get back in the lineup," Liljegren said. "We'll see what happens, but that's my approach."
In June, Liljegren signed a two-year extension worth an average of $3 million annually, but he was unable to pinpoint the reason for his absence after training camp.
Liljegren was able to join the Leafs' 23-man roster, but two other players-Jan Hakanpaa and Calle Jarnkrok-were placed on long-term injured reserve.
Liljegren made an effort to avoid the rumors about his future.
"I try not to think about it. I'm not really on social media that much so I don't see a lot of stuff," he said. "If something happens, it happens, but I'm just coming in and working hard.
Liljegren will hopefully play soon. In the NHL, injuries are inevitable, so unless the Leafs are very fortunate, Liljegren will get his chance when a defenseman is forced to miss time because of illness.
"Chance is he'll play on Wednesday," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said following the team's practice at Ford Performance Centre on Monday.
During the practice, Liljegren skated on the team's third defensive pair with Simon Benoit, which was the first indication that Liljegren might be part of the team's strategy for Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Kings at Scotiabank Arena.
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