New development unfolds regarding a brewing trade for the Maple Leafs
Reports have emerged that multiple Toronto Maple Leafs staff members were spotted at the Montreal Canadiens game against the Los Angeles Kings including Toronto Marlies GM Ryan Hardy.
This is unusual due to the massive rivalry between Toronto & Montreal. Trades between the two teams are rare & often controversial.
Karine Hains, a Canadiens beat writer for The Hockey News, shared a list of NHL staff attending the game, which included Hardy and two other Leafs representatives, Kalley Armstrong and Greyson Silva-Addo. Their presence has sparked speculation about a possible trade.
One rumor is likely about Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren who has been linked to lots of trade scenarios after being a healthy scratch to start the season. Some believe the Leafs may be exploring a trade to give Liljegren more playing time & Montreal possibly being a suitor especially after losing David Reinbacher to a long term injury. Montreal could benefit from adding Liljegren who is a right handed shot.
Another possibility is that maybe Toronto is scouting the Kings instead. Los Angeles has a young roster with playoff ambitions & could be a fit for Liljegren who has both youth & playoff experience. The Kings were recently linked to Liljegren, along with several other teams.
While it's uncertain what Toronto's staff is looking for, the future of Timothy Liljegren in Toronto remains unclear. Whether he gets traded or earns more playing time will depend on how the Leafs value him moving forward.
