The Toronto Maple Leafs made a notable roster change by trading defenseman Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks. In return, the Leafs received defenseman Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round draft pick, and a 2026 sixth-round pick. Toronto will get the earlier of the Sharks’ two third-round picks in 2025, giving the team a slight edge in draft selection. This trade reflects Toronto’s interest in refreshing its lineup and exploring defensive depth options as they reshape the team.
Timothy Liljegren had a challenging start to the season under new head coach Craig Berube, who set him as a healthy scratch in nine of Toronto’s first ten games. Drafted 17th overall in 2017, Liljegren showed early promise and was a key player for the Toronto Marlies, the Leafs’ AHL affiliate, helping them win their first Calder Cup championship in 2018. However, his performance at the NHL level saw mixed results, and he struggled to secure a consistent spot on the Leafs’ roster, particularly in the playoffs where his role was often minimized.
Throughout his time with the Leafs, Liljegren did manage to play 197 games, scoring 14 goals and recording 65 points, but his playoff impact remained limited. He moved up to the NHL full-time during the 2021-22 season and briefly held a top-four defensive position, averaging close to 18 minutes of ice time per game. Still, concerns about his ability to provide a more rounded defensive game often led the Leafs to choose other defensemen in high-stakes scenarios.
The Leafs’ general manager, Brad Treliving, had initially shown confidence in Liljegren’s potential by extending him a two-year, $6 million contract over the summer. However, Treliving’s offseason focus on bringing in physically tougher players, such as Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, signaled a shift in team priorities. Berube’s preferences also became evident in training camp, as he opted to give ice time to other defenders, like Conor Timmins and Philippe Myers, leaving Liljegren out of the rotation and priming him for a trade.
For Liljegren, joining the rebuilding Sharks could provide a valuable opportunity to restart his NHL career in a team that can offer him a top-four role on defense. The Sharks’ current structure is well-suited for Liljegren’s development, and he may find more room to refine his skills without the intense expectations present in Toronto. Although the Leafs’ return—two lower-tier draft picks and the veteran Benning—was modest, the trade aligns with their goals to retool their defensive approach and adjust to Berube’s system, ultimately paving the way for future roster moves.
