Unhappy Leafs player believed to have asked for an informal trade request
After being a healthy scratch for the first two games of the season Timothy Liljegren is reportedly considering an informal trade request from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The former first round pick has found himself on the outside looking in & may be seeking a fresh start similar to Nick Robertson's request over the summer.
Unlike Robertson however the Leafs seem more open to accommodating Liljegren's potential request. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period shared that while nothing is official both sides may be ready for a change of scenery. This isn't entirely surprising as the Leafs had considered trading Liljegren earlier this summer.
Elliotte Friedman also mentioned that if both parties agree a trade would likely be easy to complete. As a right handed defenseman with the skills that made him a first-round pick Liljegren would be an attractive option for other teams.
The Leafs have started the season with Morgan Rielly, Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jake McCabe, Simon Benoit & Conor Timmins on defense with Jani Hakanpaa expected to return soon. Liljegren has become the odd man out especially with Benoit and Timmins performing well on the third pairing.
Liljegren, drafted 17th overall in 2017, hasn't quite met expectations. He has recorded 14 goals and 65 points in 196 games over five seasons, including a career-high 20 assists and 23 points in 55 games last year. If he makes his trade request official, it seems likely the Leafs will grant it without much resistance.
