{"id":2078,"date":"2023-09-03T17:36:27","date_gmt":"2023-09-03T17:36:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oldprof.nhltradetalk.com\/?p=2078"},"modified":"2023-09-03T17:36:28","modified_gmt":"2023-09-03T17:36:28","slug":"maple-leafs-timothy-liljegren-have-breakout-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oldprof.nhltradetalk.com\/index.php\/2023\/09\/03\/maple-leafs-timothy-liljegren-have-breakout-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Maple Leafs Prediction: Liljegren Will Have Breakout Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Timothy Liljegren is a young defenseman with potential. While he hasn’t made it yet to stardom with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he’s shown himself to be promising. In this post, I’ll share why I believe he will become a solid defenseman for the Maple Leafs and why I believe he’s on the cusp of a breakout season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obviously, in a sport like hockey, there’s no guarantee – ever. Yet, in Liljegren’s case, several factors suggest that he could significantly impact the team’s success this upcoming season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are three reasons why I believe Liljegren is worth keeping an eye on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: Maple Leafs Signing Matthews a Franchise-Defining Moment<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reason One: Liljegren Is a Proven Winner on the Ice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One fact stands out. When Liljegren is on the ice, the Maple Leafs usually win. Over the past two regular seasons, his presence has spelled success. At 5v5, the team has scored an impressive<\/a> 107 goals while allowing a mere 73 when Liljegren is on the ice. These underlying analytics show what really has been an elite 59 percent goals-for rating. A 50 percent rating is average. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Timothy Liljegren, 2020-21 Upper Deck Allure – Red Rainbow Jersey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This rating is more than just getting lucky. His consistently higher-than-expected-goals percentages of 59% and 52% over the past two seasons suggest that his positive impact on the team’s offence is no fluke. Liljegren has the ability to contribute positively to his team’s performance. That’s a promising sign for a potential breakout this season. I think he just has to play more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reason Two: Liljegren Has Made a Valuable Contribution Despite Limited Role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

True, Liljegren is not the most prolific scorer. Nor does he assume a prominent role in special teams’ play. However, his contributions extend past the scoresheet. He simply makes a difference on the ice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given that, it can be confusing why the head coach Sheldon Keefe’s trust in him hasn’t grown. He’s been nurtured well and, when he’s had significant responsibilities, he’s done well. In short, he has excelled despite these limited chances to show his potential to do more when given the opportunity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This season, I believe the coaching staff will expand his role. That move will help give him a chance to unlock further potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: Treliving Had Done a Great Job Keeping the Maple Leafs Flexible<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reason Three: Liljegren Has a Youthful Upside<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Liljegren is approaching his 25th birthday. Although this is often considered to be in the later stages of a player’s prime years in hockey, that doesn’t always hold true with defensemen. They can take a bit longer to develop. Additionally, he still falls within an age range where significant development can occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The @MapleLeafs<\/a> have recalled defenceman Timothy Liljegren from the @TorontoMarlies<\/a> (AHL).#LeafsForever<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/kor7R7dry5<\/a><\/p>— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 14, 2020<\/a><\/blockquote>