How scouts and executives are keeping Timothy Liljegren’s Sharks fit after trade – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.

Defenseman Timothy Liljegren should be a good fit for the Sharks.

That’s what multiple league sources told San Jose Hockey Now on Wednesday.

“Good priced” trade, said Scout No. 1.

The Sharks acquired the 25-year-old from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round draft pick and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick. Toronto will face two third-round selections, the Edmonton Oilers or Colorado Avalanche, which San Jose currently owns.

Liljegren has two years left on his contract ($3 million AAV), as does Benning ($1.25 AAV).

The Sharks need puck movement and Liljegren should be able to provide it.

The 6-foot-3 right-hander scored three goals and 20 assists in just 55 games for the Leafs last season. Those 23 points are a career high.

Timothy Liljegren scores for the first time this year and brings the Leafs within one point! ☝️ pic.twitter.com/WV9U9jvPLE

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 31, 2023

“I like him,” said Scout No. 1. “Has a certain element of offense.”

“Good skating. Good passer. “Smart player,” said one NHL executive.

Scout No. 2 likes Liljegren’s ability to pass the puck, although he doesn’t think the blueliner is quite as dynamic in the offensive zone. So don’t expect him to necessarily be a power play superstar.

However, these league sources like this trade to the Sharks.

“(Just) needs a chance,” said Scout No. 1.

Scout #2 agrees Liljegren needed a change of scenery, with the potential for more offense and more confidence.

But what about his defense?

“He’s definitely not there to defend,” Scout No. 1 said with a laugh.

“Not very difficult,” said the manager.

Scout #2 actually likes Liljegren’s mobility and how it helps defend against the rush. He also considers the 201-pound blueliner to be strong for his size. However, he agrees that Liljegren appears light-footed because the player is not assertive enough.

At least the tools are there. Remember, Liljegren is only 25 years old and was selected in the first round of the 2017 draft.

All in all, Liljegren’s skillset should be a real asset to San Jose’s top four. Last year, he was Toronto’s No. 4 defenseman in the playoffs and averaged the best ice time per night of his career: 19:40 minutes. Therefore, he should be able to handle high-stakes minutes competently.

The Sharks have deployed left-hander Jake Walman and right-hander Cody Ceci as the top pairing and left-hander Mario Ferraro and right-hander Jan Rutta as the middle pair.

Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky seems happy with Walman-Ceci as the top pairing. Now, Ferraro and Rutta are capable, experienced defensemen, but their puck movement can leave a lot to be desired.

Enter Liljegren.

“Liljegren will get along with Mario,” said the managing director.

And if top prospect Shakir Mukhamadullin recovers quickly – the skilled left-hander is currently rehabbing with the San Jose Barracuda after missing all of training camp – he could team up with Rutta to provide a third reliable pairing for Warsofsky to be something he can lean on.

But that’s for the future.

What happened in the past in Toronto, where Liljegren starred last year? Why did he only play one game for new head coach Craig Berube this year?

It appears he has been a healthy player for most of this season.

“Just not really (Craig) Berube’s type,” said one manager.

Welcome to the land of opportunity, Timothy.

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