So for perspective people. Benoit, a guy we let go, has outplayed TL and we want to being TL in which would reduce opportunity's for Luneau and Zell as they both play RS? That's what we're advocating here?
I really doubt Benoit has outplayed Liljegren.
Timing is everything here. Liljegren signed June 30. One day before he was eligible as an RFA/arbitration. Also one day before the Maple Leafs signed Chris Taney to 6 year contract.
The wild card is Hakanpaa. Toronto signed him in September. If they feel Jani is able to go, he fits the win now Maple leafs much better for less.
I kind of see the Liljegren 2 year signing as a stop gap in case they needed him, not necessarily as a future piece.
It is a bit like the insurance signing of Strome, except Strome had a better resume coming in, but now he is not moveable.
I’m not saying Liljegren is PV top 4 RH answer, but Benoit is not. But 2 years for a 23 point + Dman is hardly any risk. If he works great, if not move on. It’s not like it jeopardizes any signing due to cap space.
John