3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs should not have traded Timothy Liljegren

The Toronto Maple Leafs ended months of speculation by trading Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday. In exchange, the Toronto Maple Leafs receive veteran blue liner Matt Benning, a third-round pick in 2025, and a sixth-round pick in 2026.

With the trade, Liljegren is now officially out of limbo and getting a fresh start with the rebuilding Sharks.

Still, Timothy Liljegren is a young defenseman who could see his potential expand with a new organization and a regular role.

So, let’s explore three reasons why Timothy Liljegren should not have been traded.

3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs should not have traded Timothy Liljegren

#3. Liljegren never got a fair chance with Craig Berube

Under former coach Sheldon Keefe, Timothy Liljegren received increasing playing time and opportunities to become a mainstay on the blue line. Liljegren eventually reached a top-four role at one point last season. Unfortunately, he was unable to impress to the point where he was scratched during the playoffs.

Under Craig Berube, Timothy Liljegren didn’t get much of a chance. Berube opted for bigger, more physical defensemen such as Conor Timmins or Phillippe Myers. With Liljegren hovering in the eighth or ninth spot on the Leafs’ depth chart, it was clear there was no room for him.

However, had Berube given Liljegren a chance, Liljegren could have evolved into Berube’s system. Liljegren could have become a much better option than aging blueliners such as Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Now, the Leafs are stuck with a blue-line core comprised mainly of 30-plus-year-old players.

#2. Liljegren could still show more potential

Timothy Liljegren came with a high ceiling, being a former first-round pick. While he never truly reached that ceiling with the Leafs, there’s a chance that regular playing time and a coach who trusts him can unlock his potential.

Liljegren could become a quick, puck-moving defenseman with an above-average defensive game. While he’ll never be a monster physically, he does have the potential to play a more offensive role from the back end.

With the rebuilding Sharks, Liljegren could get the chance to break through his ceiling, showing what he is truly capable of.

#1. The Leafs sold low

The Leafs traded Liljegren when his value was at its lowest. While the return wasn’t terrible, the Leafs could have fetched more if Liljegren had been a more productive player.

Instead, Toronto moved Liljegren when he was in Berube’s doghouse. Considering that the Leafs essentially get magic beans in return, the deal could come back to haunt the Leafs as the likelihood of the picks amounting to anything is slim.

The Leafs gave up too soon on Liljegren, opening the door for this deal to be one more of those lopsided deals in Leafs history.