Toronto Maple Leafs weigh trade options: Is Brandon Carlo the key to reuniting with Timothy Liljegren?
The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves navigating a complex landscape as they strive to enhance their roster. General Manager Brad Treliving has made it clear that the team is actively seeking upgrades, which has sparked a swirl of trade rumors. Among the most prominent names in the trade conversation is right-shot defenseman Brandon Carlo.
Trade Possibilities and Their Implications
The Maple Leafs are reportedly considering a trade that would send Carlo in exchange for a top-six forward, ideally a reliable second-line center capable of bolstering the scoring depth behind Auston Matthews. Should Carlo depart, it would create a vacancy on the right side of the blue line, prompting the Leafs to explore potential replacements.
One intriguing possibility is a reunion with Timothy Liljegren, a former right-shot, first-round pick. The narrative surrounding Liljegren and the Maple Leafs has been a long and winding road. Drafted 17th overall in 2017, he was once projected as a top-10 pick. However, a decline in his stock during his draft year allowed Toronto to secure him in the mid-first round.
The Liljegren Journey
Liljegren’s early career alongside Rasmus Sandin led many to believe they would form the cornerstone of Toronto’s defensive future. However, after a challenging season, the Leafs traded him to San Jose. The Sharks, now brimming with defensive prospects, may be willing to part with Liljegren at a low cost as he approaches free agency.
Reacquiring Liljegren could address the Maple Leafs’ pressing need for blue line depth, but this hinges on whether they move Carlo. Without that trade, adding Liljegren becomes moot. Yet, should Carlo be dealt, the door opens for Liljegren’s return.
Assessing the Fit
While there are other options available on the market, Liljegren’s familiarity with the organization could facilitate a smoother transition. He could slot into the bottom pairing alongside Simon Benoit, but there would remain questions about who could partner with Morgan Rielly on the top pair. Previous attempts to pair Liljegren with Rielly did not yield favorable results.
However, Liljegren’s time in San Jose may have provided him with the growth necessary to thrive in a top-pairing role. Having received the playing time he craved, he demonstrated an ability to hold his own in the NHL, which could bolster the argument for his return.
The Carlo Conundrum
At the heart of this discussion is the potential trade of Brandon Carlo. It may seem far-fetched for the Maple Leafs to consider moving a player of his caliber this season. A big, defensively sound right-shot defenseman like Carlo is a rare commodity, and holding onto him could prove beneficial for the team’s defensive structure.
While bringing back Timothy Liljegren is not out of the question, it may be prudent for the Maple Leafs to wait until he becomes a free agent next summer. The situation surrounding Oliver Ekman-Larsson also factors into this equation, as Liljegren could emerge as a valuable asset should that position need filling.
In the short term, Toronto’s priority should be to maximize the potential of Carlo alongside Morgan Rielly this season. Exploring alternatives at this juncture may introduce unnecessary risk into an already intricate puzzle.
