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Trade emerges for Toronto Maple Leafs as opportunity to upgrade the blueline

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Graham Montgomery
September 20, 2024  (10:14)
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Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren speaking to the media
Photo credit: NHL

A new trade proposal has emerged linking the Toronto Maple Leafs and Seattle Kraken.

Timothy Liljegren has been a player involved in rumors for some time now as his relationship with the Leafs seems to be a bit tense. While he has become a regular player for the team, it always felt like former head coach Sheldon Keefe never quite trusted him, especially in big moments. For a team that lacked depth on defense last season, that was a problem. Perhaps the bigger problem with the 24-year-old though is his injury history. He has yet to complete a full season, with his career high in games played being the 2022-23 season, with 67. Brad Treliving may very well see this as a liability. Regardless, many Leafs fans believe he could be on the move soon.

Who would be better to replace him than Seattle Kraken defenseman Will Borgen.
Borgen has established himself as a legitimate bottom pair defenseman that can play both sides of the puck over the past two seasons. In each of the last two seasons he has appeared in all 82 games and his point production was very consistent, increasing from 20 points in 2022-23 to 25 in 2023-24. He is also three years older than Liljegren and is considered to be the more reliable player.

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This trade would be a one-for-one. Here's why it could make sense for both teams. From the Leafs' perspective, this is an easy decision. Liljegren has been the more inconsistent player thus far in his career, and his lack of experience has been exposed in the playoffs.

Borgen would provide a calmer, more steady mindset to the bottom pair. It doesn't matter that Borgen is three years older as the Leafs are in win now mode.

For Seattle, they could be tempted as Liljegren is the higher upside player. He has had moments where he's shown some legitimate offensive skill with the Leafs, but his inability to remain healthy has prevented him from truly having a breakout year. The team took a step backwards last season, so they may be looking to get a little bit younger as well. With a little bit of luck, they could end up with the more impactful player in the long-run.

Source: NHLTradeTalk
Interesting Maple Leafs & Kraken Trade Might Just Work

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20 SEPTEMBRE   |   54 ANSWERS
Trade emerges for Toronto Maple Leafs as opportunity to upgrade the blueline

Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will make a trade to improve their defense at some point this season?

Yes3972.2 %
No1527.8 %
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