It’s time for another round of NHL rumours on this Friday. The initial smoke of free agency has cleared. However, there are still plenty of rumours to discuss. A number of free agents are still out there, but trades can also be made this summer. Just because a player has been signed to a new deal doesn’t mean they’re safe from being traded. This latest edition of NHL rumours deals with a Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman that could still be on the trade block.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Toronto Maple Leafs Blueliner May be Trade Bait
Rumour: Chris Johnston appeared on the Steve Dangle Podcast Network to discuss some of the latest Maple Leafs news and rumblings. Johnston mentioned that defenceman Timothy Liljegren could still possibly be traded.
We've got some quick-fire #Leafs updates for you. #CJShow@reporterchris @jkamckenzie pic.twitter.com/X2yDyQYGE7
— sdpn (@sdpnsports) July 4, 2024
Analysis: Liljegren did recently sign a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of $3 million per season. However, the blueliner could still be traded. There were initial fears that Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving was going to make a deal before free agency started. However, Liljegren signed that two-year agreement on June 30.
Another young Swedish defenceman had a similar fate with the Leafs when Rasmus Sandin was sent to the Washington Capitals. Sandin wasn’t able to get sustained minutes and was sent to the American capital city. However, Sandin took advantage of his new opportunity and parlayed it into a five-year deal worth $4.6 million per season.
Chipping Away
Toronto is trying to chip away at its massive payroll for the upcoming season. The Leafs will always be a cap team, but trying to forge some extra breathing room is very important for the team. Treliving may want to be able to add a piece at the trade deadline if there’s a glaring need.
The Maple Leafs did make a few changes on their blueliner in adding Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Tanev was an important part of the Dallas Stars lineup during their push to the Western Conference Final. Ekman-Larsson’s career in North American was thought to be in some sort of jeopardy after some frustrating years. However, he did find his game with the Florida Panthers and helped them to a Stanley Cup crown.
Both additions could mean there may not be room for Liljegren to have a bunch of minutes. He may want to seek an opportunity elsewhere the same way Sandin did.
Not the Only Trade
We’ve pretty much talked about Mitch Marner for days on end in other editions of NHL rumours. That seems to be the main trade that Leafs fans want to see. However, a Liljegren trade is still something that could happen.
Toronto doesn’t want to just run it back when it comes to the team’s defence at least. Losing young defenders like Liljegren is never a pleasant prospect. However, Toronto may have its hand forced once again. The cap hit may only be $3 million, but every little bit helps in the case of Treliving and the Maple Leafs.
Main photo by: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
