RD Timothy Liljegren - Ex-Rogle BK, SHL (2017, 17th, TOR) III

[WTFMAN99]

Liljegren is having a pretty good post-draft season, but really no reason to be talking about him as the best player from the draft or as having a good chance to get to that level.

He's a good prospect that's trending well, I'd leave it at that and let him develop at his own pace. No rush this soon after being drafted.

Unfortunately one of the challenges that come with playing in a league like the AHL at Liljegren's age is that his body might not be up for it yet. I wonder what his stat line might have looked like if he were to have been healthy all year.

You're correct though, he's done well for himself. We'll see how things progress next year, hopefully he puts in a good summer.

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

Hot tip for the thought police: "Could easily" and "will easily" have vastly different meanings.

You aren't trying to stop people from expressing their thoughts about other people's thoughts, are you? Because that sounds like something a thought police would do.

 

[4thline]

You aren't trying to stop people from expressing their thoughts about other people's thoughts, are you? Because that sounds like something a thought police would do.

Tips are helpful, providing help to the ignorant =/= policing thought

 

[newfy]

And as expected the opinion police has arrived to curb your enthusiasm. Lilly has as good a chance as anyone else in this draft to be the top player rn. Obviously we cannot judge this yet for another 4 years so how about everyone relax and let people have their opinions before trying to feed them your personal insecurities.

No, he doesnt. Others have said it but hes developing well, that does not mean he has as good of a chance as anyone to be the best player from the draft. If I as a wings fan said that in a Rasmussen thread, I would expect that opinion to get ripped apart, even though hes having a solid post draft season. Lots of guys are having solid seasons, Middlestadt, Glass, Foote, Necas etc. They all have reasons they werent picked first overall and are all having solid seasons just like Liljegren. So to claim a guy who was picked 17th has as good of a chance to be the best player from the draft is a little ridiculous, especially when the guy who went first overall is already looking really good in the NHL

 

[nobody]

No he doesn't. There are multiple players tracking ahead of him that have a better chance at being the best player from this draft.

What about 5 years down the line do you not understand? You got comprehension problems bro? Also, cover up, your insecurities are showing.

 

[nobody]

No, he doesnt. Others have said it but hes developing well, that does not mean he has as good of a chance as anyone to be the best player from the draft. If I as a wings fan said that in a Rasmussen thread, I would expect that opinion to get ripped apart, even though hes having a solid post draft season. Lots of guys are having solid seasons, Middlestadt, Glass, Foote, Necas etc. They all have reasons they werent picked first overall and are all having solid seasons just like Liljegren. So to claim a guy who was picked 17th has as good of a chance to be the best player from the draft is a little ridiculous, especially when the guy who went first overall is already looking really good in the NHL

You're scared of sticking by your own prospect because you'll get attacked by a bunch of trolls on an internet forum? That's just sad my friend.

 

[Wings4Life]

Very impressive season in the AHL so far, and he's still just 18 years old.

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

What about 5 years down the line do you not understand? You got comprehension problems bro? Also, cover up, your insecurities are showing.

I would expect there to be some kind of reasoning behind such bold statements. I can't see anything that implies that Liljegren will pass any of the players taken in the top-5, and then you have guys like Tolvanen and Mittelstadt. You have problems forming a reasonable argument, bro?

 

[DieTomi]

Looking very sharp recently, he has been an absolute force on the marlies. I think that his skill combined with his silky smooth skating, and great first pass and work ethic, he could easily end up being the best player in this draft within 5 years.

Lol this is so embarrassing

 

[nobody]

Lol this is so embarrassing

If you're going to troll at least put some effort into it. Canucks fans be slacking these days.

 

[nobody]

I would expect there to be some kind of reasoning behind such bold statements. I can't see anything that implies that Liljegren will pass any of the players taken in the top-5, and then you have guys like Tolvanen and Mittelstadt. You have problems forming a reasonable argument, bro?

He's adjusted quite well to the North American game and the AHL. He's playing excellent in the top 4 and at time has had played admirably as the top pairing guy. He's has had a constant flux of d partners and he's done nothing but be a steadying force. Right now he's playing with river boat gambler Calle Rosen who doesn't believe in playing D so Lilly backs him up and makes that d-pairing solid instead of a defensive liability. To add on to all of that, he's been producing some of the best offensive numbers ever put up by an 18 year old D-man.

Those are your facts. I hope you can comprehend that.

EDIT: Another reason why I think Lilly will excel is also because unlike most of the other high picks, there's no pressure on the kid. He can develop at his own pace and within his own comfort zone. Long term I think that's a recipe for success. Specially for a kid like him who essentially missed out on atleast half a year of crucial development because of mono last season. Let's not forget, he was the undisputed top 2-3 prospect and #1D going into his draft year and had it not been because of the mono and his inconsistent play during recovery we would've never had any hope in hell of landing the kid.

 

[DieTomi]

If you're going to troll at least put some effort into it. Canucks fans be slacking these days.

How am I trolling? "liljegren beast" calling him the best player in the draft is trolling

 

[nobody]

How am I trolling? "liljegren beast" calling him the best player in the draft is trolling

He said he could end up being the best player from the draft within 5 years. That's not trolling and neither is that embarrassing. You're making a fool of yourself. Please stop. I'm sure you get off to trolling Leafs fans and Leafs threads but at least put in some effort. That's all I ask.

 

[DieTomi]

He said he could end up being the best player from the draft within 5 years. That's not trolling and neither is that embarrassing. You're making a fool of yourself. Please stop. I'm sure you get off to trolling Leafs fans and Leafs threads but at least put in some effort. That's all I ask.

It's pretty embarrassing that someone who watches hockey thinks Liljegren will become the best player in the draft in 5 years

 

[nobody]

It's pretty embarrassing that someone who watches hockey thinks Liljegren will become the best player in the draft in 5 years

Okay Nostradamus. Time to go troll a different Leafs thread!

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

He's adjusted quite well to the North American game and the AHL. He's playing excellent in the top 4 and at time has had played admirably as the top pairing guy. He's has had a constant flux of d partners and he's done nothing but be a steadying force. Right now he's playing with river boat gambler Calle Rosen who doesn't believe in playing D so Lilly backs him up and makes that d-pairing solid instead of a defensive liability. To add on to all of that, he's been producing some of the best offensive numbers ever put up by an 18 year old D-man.

Those are your facts. I hope you can comprehend that.

EDIT: Another reason why I think Lilly will excel is also because unlike most of the other high picks, there's no pressure on the kid. He can develop at his own pace and within his own comfort zone. Long term I think that's a recipe for success. Specially for a kid like him who essentially missed out on atleast half a year of crucial development because of mono last season. Let's not forget, he was the undisputed top 2-3 prospect and #1D going into his draft year and had it not been because of the mono and his inconsistent play during recovery we would've never had any hope in hell of landing the kid.

The thing is, there are a lot of players who you can praise like this. You have Pettersson demolishing SHL records and leading the league in points, Heiskanen being one of the absolute best defenders in Liiga and putting up historical numbers for his age, Tolvanen having one of the best D+1 seasons in KHL ever (not sure if best so won't claim that), and Hischier and Patrick having good seasons in the NHL. Then there are plenty of players who are having good seasons in lower leagues, making comparisons a bit harder. Liljegren is having a good season, but he is not doing anything that hasn't been seen before. I also find his even strength and primary point production lacking. Even though he ranks around 4th in P/GP for D+1 defenders in AHL (out of about 8 relevant comparables, mind you), he is at the very bottom on those statistics.

 

[nobody]

The thing is, there are a lot of players who you can praise like this. You have Pettersson demolishing SHL records and leading the league in points, Heiskanen being one of the absolute best defenders in Liiga and putting up historical numbers for his age, Tolvanen having one of the best D+1 seasons in KHL ever (not sure if best so won't claim that), and Hischier and Patrick having good seasons in the NHL. Then there are plenty of players who are having good seasons in lower leagues, making comparisons a bit harder. Liljegren is having a good season, but he is not doing anything that hasn't been seen before. I also find his even strength and primary point production lacking. Even though he ranks around 4th in P/GP for D+1 defenders in AHL (out of about 8 relevant comparables, mind you), he is at the very bottom on those statistics.

Good on those guys! I'm very happy for them. I'm sure breaking records outside of the NHL will really help them when they play in the NHL! As for Lilly, he's been outstanding. He's trending to be the best 18 year old AHL d-man in history and I'm glad he's progressing well. It's one hell of a draft class that he will be sitting atop of. Great times ahead for the Leafs! I still can't believe he's a Leaf! Leafs fans used to dream of days like these where we would have great players just fall into our laps but instead all we were left with were mediocre prospects/ players and wasted picks. Oh how our fortunes have changed for the better. Good stuff! I and all other Leafs fans truly and deeply appreciate your envy. This is the biggest form of flattery/ validation.

I along with many Leafs fans were happily willing to tank for Lilly. I didn't mind one more year of absolute shit hockey for as long as we can walk out with an impact defender like Liljegren. Hockey gods blessed us with a 40 goal scoring stud C, magic Mitch and a dream season for the rookies making the playoffs. Drafting Liljegren at 17 was the cherry on top. Thank you hockey gods.

One other thing, Phil Kessel became a B2B Stanley Cup Champion!! I've never been more happy for a dude not on my team. Classy Phil, the hockey gods blessed him as well. And Kappy is looking like an excellent player for us! Wins all around for Leafs nation!

 

[newfy]

You're scared of sticking by your own prospect because you'll get attacked by a bunch of trolls on an internet forum? That's just sad my friend.

No its because I know his chances of being the best in the draft arent as high as anyone elses, just like every other player picked out of the top 3 or so. For me to claim that without some kind of ridiculous season to be taking place would be me trolling. Look at things not as a homer and youll see when a guy like Hischier is having the rookie year in the NHL that he is, the year Petterson is having, Makars world junior and Olympic invite are much more impressive, I dont have to be a fan of them to realize that and not be a blind homer

 

[Rempe73]

I am very pissed off the Rangers didn't select him with the 7th overall pick. I love Andersson, but I was always very high on Liljegren. Definitely a chance to bust, but a better chance to become a great hockey player. Tons of upside. I wish the Rangers could have traded McDonagh to the Leafs and got Liljegren for him. Probably would have never happened, but a guy can dream.

 

[Frolov 6'3]

I am very pissed off the Rangers didn't select him with the 7th overall pick. I love Andersson, but I was always very high on Liljegren. Definitely a chance to bust, but a better chance to become a great hockey player. Tons of upside. I wish the Rangers could have traded McDonagh to the Leafs and got Liljegren for him. Probably would have never happened, but a guy can dream.

Surprised about this.

Andersson will become a stud. Liljegren was drafted right where he should be.

I wouldnt be pissed at all.

 

[nobody]

No its because I know his chances of being the best in the draft arent as high as anyone elses, just like every other player picked out of the top 3 or so. For me to claim that without some kind of ridiculous season to be taking place would be me trolling. Look at things not as a homer and youll see when a guy like Hischier is having the rookie year in the NHL that he is, the year Petterson is having, Makars world junior and Olympic invite are much more impressive, I dont have to be a fan of them to realize that and not be a blind homer

For all you know, 5 years from now Rasmussen might end up being the best guy from the draft? It's not blind homerism to say that you might have the best guy from the draft in the long run. No one is claiming here that either Ras or Lilly are having the best D+1 years from their draft classes. I don't see why people get all worked up over me trying to project something so far into the future. Often times players find success in the CHL, SHL, KHL, AHL etc and end up being just okay in the NHL. Many times guys have okay numbers in those leagues and all of a sudden flip a light switch and turn into absolute studs in the NHL. There's nothing wrong with being optimistic. Specially this early in the ball game. A ton of people on here seem to have a stick up their bums when people have differing opinions. It's kind of sad to see especially on a forum designed to open up dialogue and give people an opportunity to voice their opinions. People feel scared to say things because they don't want to get labelled by the same fools who have been wrong so many times before. Just because something is a popular opinion doesn't make it the only correct opinion. It's alright to be wrong. It's alright to sound outlandish from time to time. There's no death penalty for being wrong on an internet forum.

 

[newfy]

For all you know, 5 years from now Rasmussen might end up being the best guy from the draft? It's not blind homerism to say that you might have the best guy from the draft in the long run. No one is claiming here that either Ras or Lilly are having the best D+1 years from their draft classes. I don't see why people get all worked up over me trying to project something so far into the future. Often times players find success in the CHL, SHL, KHL, AHL etc and end up being just okay in the NHL. Many times guys have okay numbers in those leagues and all of a sudden flip a light switch and turn into absolute studs in the NHL. There's nothing wrong with being optimistic. Specially this early in the ball game.

Its pretty blind homerism to say it when there isnt anything to back it up. Why arent you talking about Fedor Gordeev from the same draft for Toronto? I mean, for all you know 5 years from now he might end up being the best in the draft. I mean, hes a drafted NHL player, dont need to know how hes doing this year because sometimes guys doing good in the CHL become absolute studs in the NHL.

Youre right, for all we know Rasmussen or Liljegren could but with the seasons other guys are having from that draft the likelihood of it happening arent enough for someone to say "could easily become the best player in 5 years" without looking like a ridiculous homer. I mean for all we know, Liljegren could become an absolute bust and never play a game, however I dont think you would be so quick to admit that because based on his body of work it isnt likely, just like him being the best isnt either

 

[nobody]

Its pretty blind homerism to say it when there isnt anything to back it up. Why arent you talking about Fedor Gordeev from the same draft for Toronto? I mean, for all you know 5 years from now he might end up being the best in the draft. I mean, hes a drafted NHL player, dont need to know how hes doing this year because sometimes guys doing good in the CHL become absolute studs in the NHL.

Youre right, for all we know Rasmussen or Liljegren could but with the seasons other guys are having from that draft the likelihood of it happening arent enough for someone to say "could easily become the best player in 5 years" without looking like a ridiculous homer. I mean for all we know, Liljegren could become an absolute bust and never play a game, however I dont think you would be so quick to admit that because based on his body of work it isnt likely, just like him being the best isnt either

I'm perfectly alright being wrong on Lilly. I'm not going to lose sleep over it. But the way I see him play right now and in my past experiences (I used to be a pro scout for 15 years), he's a homerun pick (high ceiling player who has done no. Whether he develops and lives up to his potential is a different question. But as of right now, I have absolutely nothing to lose saying he's going to be at the top of his class in 5 years. This is not to take away from the other kids as I think they are also going to be fantastic NHL players. If people take Lilly being the top player as an insult to their own prospects being devalued, that's more a reflection on their views and opinions, not mine.

 

[TGWL]

I am very pissed off the Rangers didn't select him with the 7th overall pick. I love Andersson, but I was always very high on Liljegren. Definitely a chance to bust, but a better chance to become a great hockey player. Tons of upside. I wish the Rangers could have traded McDonagh to the Leafs and got Liljegren for him. Probably would have never happened, but a guy can dream.

If we didn't take Lias, I don't see that we would have passed up on Mittelstadt for Liljegren.

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

I'm perfectly alright being wrong on Lilly. I'm not going to lose sleep over it. But the way I see him play right now and in my past experiences (I used to be a pro scout for 15 years), he's a homerun pick (high ceiling player who has done no. Whether he develops and lives up to his potential is a different question. But as of right now, I have absolutely nothing to lose saying he's going to be at the top of his class in 5 years. This is not to take away from the other kids as I think they are also going to be fantastic NHL players. If people take Lilly being the top player as an insult to their own prospects being devalued, that's more a reflection on their views and opinions, not mine.

I find it hard to believe that someone who scouted professionally for 15 years would just gloss over someone breaking records set by Forsberg, and put Liljegren ahead of someone scoring at twice his rate in a comparable league as a defender. Just recently Ristolainen and Honka have put up inarguably more impressive numbers, and as I said, when you take out PP points, in which especially Lindholm seems to suffer, Liljegren falls down the list of AHL defenders during their D+1 season.