Because the Utah Hockey Membership grapples with accidents to key defensemen Sean Durzi and John Marino, hypothesis is swirling round potential commerce choices, significantly involving Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren. For now, it doesn’t sound like Utah goes to make any fast selections or instantly scour the commerce market, however with each gamers sidelined for an prolonged interval—Durzi anticipated to be out for 4 to 6 months and Marino for 3 to 4 months—Utah is feeling the stress to search out appropriate replacements to keep up their aggressive momentum.
If these replacements don’t come from inside or issues worsen on the harm entrance, the Maple Leafs is perhaps on their velocity dial.
Liljegren’s State of affairs in Toronto Would possibly Match Utah’s Wants
Liljegren has been a subject of dialog for the reason that preseason, as he struggles to suit into head coach Craig Berube’s most well-liked model of hockey. Continuously scratched from the lineup, his future with the Maple Leafs seems unsure, and the opportunity of a commerce has gained traction. Whereas some critics argue that Liljegren is simply too proficient to be considered merely as a cap casualty—his contract carries a cap hit of $3 million per season for the subsequent two years—his lack of constant enjoying time raises questions on what lies forward in Toronto and his worth on the commerce market.
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Nevertheless, Utah presents a novel alternative. The workforce’s vital cap house and probably determined want for defensive depth make them a doable touchdown spot for the younger defenseman. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman famous in his 32 Ideas column that “Utah is decided to not do one thing that causes 10 years of ache” but additionally hinted in his podcast that different groups might see Utah’s predicament as a chance to barter favorable trades. This could possibly be a situation the place the Maple Leafs may unload Liljegren with out having to incorporate a further asset.
Utah’s Technique Amid Accidents
Regardless of their present defensive pickle, TSN’s Chris Johnston experiences that Utah is reportedly specializing in inner options. Like Friedman, Johnston agrees that the NHL’s latest workforce isn’t thinking about making a mistake out of panic. The group has been proactive in recalling defenseman Maveric Lamoureux from their AHL affiliate, Tucson, and is trying to different promising gamers like Michael Kesselring to step up. Is that sufficient?
For now, the choice to prioritize inner choices is sensible regardless of their sturdy, considerably sudden begin to the season. They goal to construct a aggressive roster with out jeopardizing their future potential.
Nevertheless, there’s stress there that can solely get stronger if any additional accidents happen. Utah has struggled to search out their footing, going 1-3 since Durzi’s harm, highlighting how essential he was to their success. Ought to they lose any extra man video games to accidents, brief or long-term, they could be compelled to rethink their stance on exterior trades. That’s the place Liljegren may are available.
Liljegren might function a strong Plan B for Utah. His offensive upside and potential for growth may make him an interesting choice to shore up the best aspect of their protection. He’s not an enormous dedication by way of wage, and he’s acquired a contract that’s solely good for an additional two seasons (this and 2025-26). He’s not the sort of participant who will set the Utah Hockey Membership again or put them in a bind they will’t work their means out of.
Whereas there’s at the moment no imminent commerce on the horizon, it doesn’t appear like Liljegren initiatives to be a part of the plans in Toronto below Berbue. And, if Utah finds itself needing to make a transfer, Liljegren could possibly be on the high of their listing.
