Timothy Liljegren Trade Buzz Intensifies as Five Teams Emerge as Potential Suitors

Timothy Liljegren was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the 17th overall pick in 2017. Since then, he has played in almost 200 games. Two seasons with 23 points have been the high points of his career. Regretfully, his role has significantly decreased as the Toronto Maple Leafs have added more depth, making his $3 million salary harder to justify.

The Maple Leafs have addressed their need for both a smart offensive player and a right-handed defenseman with the acquisition of Tanev and Ekman-Larsson. Liljegren, who prioritizes toughness, just doesn't suit the team's needs any longer.

Five teams have surfaced, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, and Los Angeles Kings, according to The Score.

These teams all make sense, but two stand out in particular: the Florida Panthers, who lost standout defenseman Brandon Montour to the Seattle Kraken in free agency, and the Dallas Stars, who need more dynamism on the right side.

The Edmonton Oilers are fortunate to have cap space available, but it would seem better to add to it closer to the deadline in order to add a more expensive player later in the season. To be honest, the Pittsburgh Penguins are in a dead end, and Liljegren isn't a significant upgrade at that level. In conclusion, Brandt Clarke deserves a chance at a larger role, and the LA Kings will have Drew Doughty back in a few months.