LILJEGREN SENT TO SAN JOSE
The San Jose Sharks acquired defenseman Timothy Liljegren from the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Matt Benning, a third-round draft pick in 2025 and a fourth-round draft pick in 2026.
What does it give the San Jose Sharks
In Liljegren, the Sharks land a talented all-around defenseman whose NHL career has been filled with ups and downs. That said, he should be a big help to San Jose's D corps, a group that has struggled badly for some time now. Look for Liljegren to become a major contributor as a Shark.
What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
It took little time for Liljegren to fell out of favor with new Toronto head coach Craig Berube, who was playing the likes of Conor Timmins and Philippe Myers ahead of Liljegren in recent weeks. So, the Maple Leafs did well to get two draft picks in return, plus veteran Benning to provide added blueline depth.
Fantasy impact
Liljegren should see far more ice time in San Jose this season, so he could be worth picking up in many leagues. He has less value in formats that count the plus/minus statistic. As for Benning, what little fantasy value he had with the Sharks has now eroded. He will probably be Toronto's No. 7 or 8 defenseman this season.
