Timothy Liljegren pens heartfelt message for Leafs fans after trade to Sharks 

Defenseman Timothy Liljegren penned an emotional message to Toronto Maple Leafs fans after being traded to the San Jose Sharks. Liljegren was drafted by the Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2017 NHL draft.

Although he only played one game with Toronto this season, Liljegren had become a staple on the Leafs' blue line over the past couple seasons. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Liljegren thanked Leafs fans and the city of Toronto for making his NHL dream come true:

“Thank you Toronto for making my dream of playing in the NHL true. I'll always hold Toronto close to my heart and loved every minute of my 7 years in the organization! Have met amazing people and have made friends that'll last a lifetime. With that said. I’m excited to join the Sharks organization."

In return for Liljegren, the Leafs acquired defenseman Matt Benning along with a third-round draft pick in 2025 and a sixth-rounder in 2026 from the Sharks.

Liljegren is in the first year of two-year, $3 million per season contract extension signed last summer.

---

Fans react to Timothy Liljegren's heartfelt message after Leafs trade him to Sharks

Timothy Liljegren's touching goodbye message to Toronto Maple Leafs fans after being traded to the San Jose Sharks has elicited an outpouring of emotions.

Many responded with heartfelt messages wishing Liljegren the best and thanking him for his contributions. One tweeted:

"Thank you Timmy, enjoy the west coast …. You will have a long career. Leaf Nation salutes you"

Another wrote:

"Who wins a playoff round first, Liljegren with the Sharks or the Leafs?"

Here are some more fan reactions:

"You and sandin were supposed to be the future d men, I can’t believe they switch on u," one wrote.

"Poor Lily, he needed more playing time which he really wasn’t given," another wrote.

"Im going to miss you so much bud. I know you’ll kill it on the sharks. Thank you for every moment and all the memories," one commented.

"SINCERELY☆PERSONAL HE WAS☆NOT A BAD DEFENSE-MEN "BUT" IF U DO-NOT FIT IN WITH THE COACH'S PROGRAM'S SADLY YOUR ODD-MAN OUT & MOVE U BECAUSE OF THE TEAM SALARY☆CAP," another wrote.

In his NHL career, Timothy Liljegren has recorded 65 points in 197 games. Liljegren will now get a fresh start in San Jose, while the Maple Leafs benefit from his trade value.