why would you trade liljgren?
He’s the next in line to be the next D whipping boy, following a long tradition for Leaf fans.
While something’s gotta give, the D has nice shape. Taking the top 7 into account:
3 guys at their arcs - Tanev, OEL, Hakanpaa
2 guys in their prime- Reilly, McCabe
2 guys approaching their prime, age and experience wise - Lili, Benny
Timmins around the third group.
Shutdown types: Tanev, Hakanpaa, Benny, McCabe
Thugs: Benny, Hakanpaa
Puck movers/PP options: Reilly, OEL, Lili (Timmins, too)
It’s pretty easy to see versatility with pairings and matchups. Pretty realistic to see all those guys get even playing time during the regular season.
4 LHD, 3RHD, one guy who can switch pretty easily
Not all star laden, but solid, experienced, flexible.
6 waiver exempt Marlies: Niemela, Webber, Mattinen, Rifai, Kokkonen, Villeneuve. 5/6 have multiple years or pro experience, the 6th is a mature uni grad playing lots of years against men. Niemela has NHL upside, especially as he grows. Rifai is call up ready.
That’s pretty nice organizational depth.