New Jersey Devils: 5 Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect To Target
By Nick Villano
Timothy Liljegren
The Devils need a top-line defenseman prospect outside of Ty Smith. Smith has been phenomenal this season, but outside of him, the Devils’ defensive prospects seem to be better suited for the bottom for over the top two. Binghamton’s defense has been awful all season, and with Kevin Bahl, Reilly Walsh, and Michael Vukojevic already on the team, it’s not a great look for the future.
Timothy Liljegren would change the future outlook of the Devils’ defense. He’s has legit star potential despite having trouble making the NHL lineup. The former 1st-round pick has been moving between the AHL and the taxi squad this season despite all of the Maple Leafs’ injuries. It’s a strange situation, but if he’s available, the Devils should be all over this offer.
Liljegren is too good for the AHL. He looks dominant every time he’s playing for the Toronto Marlies. If the Devils trade for him, he’s likely making the NHL roster immediately. They could give him an opportunity from the get-go.
Liljegren would only be available in a Palmieri trade, and the Maple Leafs would clearly be looking to finally move far into the playoffs now that they don’t have to play the Boston Bruins in the first round. They look like the best team in the North Division, and they could make a push this year as they have so many great pieces. Liljegren doesn’t factor into the plan this season. That much is clear, however, Palmieri could immediately pot a dozen goals in the playoffs playing next to John Tavares. It might be something the Leafs consider since the market fell off in terms of talent available.