Timothy Liljegren trade destinations: Top 3 probable landing spots for $6M Maple Leafs D-man

While the Toronto Maple Leafs still need to make several roster cuts to get down to the mandated 23-man limit, one player under contract for the next two seasons could soon be on the move: defenseman Timothy Liljegren.

Liljegren signed a two-year contract extension with the Leafs over the summer, but he struggled throughout training camp and the exhibition games, leading to a public call-out from head coach Craig Berube.

“Lily’s gotta do things quicker. He’s got to be a little bit heavier in his battles, moving pucks quicker and simplify his game,” Berube said (5:41 mark).

“He’s obviously battling. He wants to be a guy in the lineup every night, and that’s great. But sometimes you put too much on your plate. Simplify the game a little bit more. And do your job as a defenceman killing plays and being heavy.”

Liljegren himself seemed to recognize that the writing could be on the wall following practice late last week.

"I mean, I'm working, trying to earn my spot. But it hasn't really gone my way thus far," Liljegren said following practice on Friday (per The Hockey News). "I'm just trying to work every day."

"You know, like everything can happen, right? So I'm just trying to take it day by day. I know, you know, we got to make some changes. So we'll see where it goes. But I'm just trying to, you know, take it day by day and it works well, I think."

Due to several additions to Toronto's blue line over the summer, including Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jani Hakanpaa, Liljegren could soon be on the move.

Here are the three potential destinations for Liljegren if general manager Brad Treliving pulls the trigger on a deal.

Top 3 probable landing spots for Timothy Liljegren

#3. Los Angeles Kings

The Kings were one of several NHL teams to experience a significant injury during exhibition play when defenseman and alternate captain Drew Doughty fractured his ankle and is now considered month-to-month.

Known for his strong skating and offensive flair, Timothy Liljegren could slot into the Los Angeles lineup as a replacement while Doughty recovers from his injury.

#2. Columbus Blue Jackets

A team that has traditionally struggled on the back end, the Blue Jackets could benefit from Timothy Liljegren's puck-moving abilities and ability to play on special teams.

#1. St. Louis Blues

While the Blues' defensive core boasts the likes of Colton Parayko, Justin Faulk and Nick Leddy, they'll be without defenseman Torey Krug for the entire season due to an ankle injury.

While not the flashiest of defensemen, Timothy Liljegren could fit in well on the third defensive pairing and may benefit from a change of scenery.