How has Liljegren been doing since the trade?
- Thread starter Orfieus
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- Jul 25, 2007
- 5,159
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He's mainly a second pairing guy, and he has seen only limited PP minutes.
I think he came as advertised - a mid D man who shows flashes of puck moving and offensive creation, and some bad puck decisions, as well as flashes of turnstile / soft defense, as well as the occasional good D play. In general, because of how absolutely terrible our D corps is, he definitely made us marginally better.
I don't think he's going to break out but he'll probably bounce around as a third pairing guy for a bunch more years.
I think he came as advertised - a mid D man who shows flashes of puck moving and offensive creation, and some bad puck decisions, as well as flashes of turnstile / soft defense, as well as the occasional good D play. In general, because of how absolutely terrible our D corps is, he definitely made us marginally better.
I don't think he's going to break out but he'll probably bounce around as a third pairing guy for a bunch more years.
matt trick
Registered User
- Jun 12, 2007
- 10,399
- 2,761
It's partially because he's on a weak second unit, but by my eye he sucks on the PP. We've played some 5 forwards when Walman was injured which tells me Warso thinks something similar. That said, he's been solid. Moves the puck, tries defensively. I don't think he's soft, but he's not strong. Got absolutely bodied on a goal against last night. He shouldn't be in a top 4, but he's our second or third best d-man by a mile. I'd probably consider extending him for 2-3 years at $4M as I'm not convinced we're going to have three better RHD over the next four years. I can see us acquiring two that are better, but not sure about three.
Star Platinum
Registered User
- May 11, 2024
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The only way I'd extend Liljegren is if there are two better RHD in front of him. I would argue that there is nothing about his game that is better than a guy like Jack Thompson. Liljegren makes a lot of huge mistakes on the ice.
Liljegren is a #4 here for now but should be on the 3rd pairing with whoever is playing the best outside a revamped top four.
Agreed, definitely not PP material. But at evens, Liljegren is a passable bottom pairing RD, so he's been fine.
Sharksfan66
Registered User
- Nov 4, 2021
- 298
- 279
He's this year's Calen Addison IMO. He has better offensive instincts than most of our D but he's pretty useless in his own end. On a team with a better D-corp, I don't think would justify a regular spot in the lineup. That said, he's definitely been one of our top 4 D this year. 
Seems like I might be lower on Liljegren than most though. I'm kind of surprised to see how many people seem up for resigning him. I wonder how much of that has to do with him being a righty.
Seems like I might be lower on Liljegren than most though. I'm kind of surprised to see how many people seem up for resigning him. I wonder how much of that has to do with him being a righty.
Anomie2029
Registered User
He started his stint with the Sharks strong but then was paired with Ferraro who has made every Dman he's been paired with worse, and Liljegren hasn't been able to escape that. He hasn't bounced back even when paired with someone else and at least once again he has me rolling my eyes at some read or getting caught puck watching.
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Star Platinum
Registered User
- May 11, 2024
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Liljegren has made plenty of mistakes this year that have nothing to do with who his defensive partner. All of our defensemen have made repeated mistakes that can't be blamed on who their defensive partner is.
And yes, any interest in keeping him is because he's right-handed.
hohosaregood
Banned
- Sep 1, 2011
- 33,612
- 14,505
I think Liljegren is a solid keep. He has a lot of good #4 qualities but he just f***s up enough that you can't reliably play him against standard competition. So he's definitely more of a strong #5 right now.
I largely agree. It's going to be difficult to acquire two top four guys that will play the right side over Liljegren. But if it does happen and you can go out and sign Ceci to be that 3rd pairing guy, I'd move Liljegren for something we can use up front or a backup goalie. We're not likely to get a 3rd round pick back for Liljegren at this stage unless he finds another level but it's possible.
Star Platinum
Registered User
- May 11, 2024
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I'm not worried about getting something back for Liljegren down the line. Playoff teams are always gonna need an extra RHD at the deadline, even if it's not a perfect guy. It's guys like Thrun and Rutta that will be near impossible to get anything for.
Considering what the Karlsson trade has already provided the Sharks, if nothing comes from Rutta at this deadline, he's been an admirable stopgap for a cap dump. Thrun is a little more difficult to see getting value just because it's a position that has a lot of options typically. At least he's been cheap and only cost them a 3rd rounder. Getting even two NHL seasons out of a 3rd rounder is good for the Sharks. I suspect Thrun will at least finish his contract here as a #7 at worst but it's easy to see him thrown into some larger trade this offseason.
