TRADE: Maple Leafs Send Timothy Liljegren To Sharks

The San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Timothy Liljegren from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In exchange, Toronto receives veteran defenseman Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round draft pick, and a 2026 sixth-round pick. 

Toronto will receive the earlier of San Jose’s two third-round selections from Edmonton and Colorado, giving them a solid asset for future drafts. 

With Liljegren, 25, the Sharks gain a former first-round pick whose offensive skill set has shown potential, though he struggled to secure a regular role under new Leafs head coach Craig Berube.

TRADE: We’ve traded Timothy Liljegren to San Jose in exchange for a third-round draft pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, San Jose’s own sixth-round selection in 2026, and defenceman Matt Benning pic.twitter.com/ZazfyayMyq

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 30, 2024

Liljegren has played only one game this season for Toronto, finding himself lower on the depth chart due to recent defensive acquisitions like Chris Tanev and Jani Hakanpää. 

Reflecting on his limited opportunities, Liljegren said, “I tried my best, but it didn’t go my way,” speaking on the challenges of solidifying his spot in the lineup. 

Drafted 17th overall in 2017, he now gets a fresh start with the rebuilding Sharks, who value his offensive capabilities and see him as a potential core piece for the future. 

For San Jose, this move aligns with their strategy of injecting youth and skill into a roster in transition, where Liljegren is expected to see more consistent ice time.

Timothy Liljegren, acquired by SJ, is a two-way D who has always won his minutes handily in the regular season, including in a top four role last year. Always gets his minutes cut in the playoffs in favour of more physical D. Don't see that being an issue in San Jose. pic.twitter.com/60QFBEI2qW

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) October 30, 2024

For Toronto, this trade clears over $1.5 million in cap space, allowing them to activate Hakanpää from long-term injured reserve and continue reshaping their defense with a more physical presence. 

In Benning, they add a steady, experienced blueliner who has logged over 460 NHL games and can bring stability to a group seeking greater defensive reliability following another early playoff exit. 

This deal gives the Maple Leafs valuable cap flexibility and draft assets.

Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images