Toronto Maple Leafs: Timothy Liljegren's path to the NHL

Timothy Liljegren was selected 17th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs at this year’s draft, but his path to the big leagues could take a number of routes.

Since being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, there have been a number of rumours regarding where the talented Swedish defenceman will spend the 2017/18 season.

A return to the Swedish Hockey League appears to be the most likely scenario at present, with Liljegren being able to focus purely on developing his game in his home country.

A move to the AHL, with the Toronto Marlies, has also been spoken about as a possibility for the one-time second highest rated player in the 2017 draft.

With the 18-year-old Swede dropping in the draft to 17th, after a season where he contracted Mono and battled to return to fitness, it makes sense that the Leafs do not feel the need to rush their new young prospect.

But what if Liljegren started the season in the NHL?

Liljegren is not ready for the big leagues just yet, but he is reportedly turning heads in the Leafs’ development camp and is showing he is already well ahead of some other prospects that have been in the team’s system for a while.

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The young right-hander needs plenty of ice time to continue his development this season, and he isn’t going to get that if he sticks around with the Leafs.

But that doesn’t mean he should be sent to the minors, or back to Sweden, at the earliest opportunity.

At this early stage, there is no telling where Liljegren would develop better, the AHL or SHL, so why not give him an opportunity to test himself in the NHL?

Every rookie signed to an Entry-Level Contract is entitled to play nine NHL games before a team must decide whether or not they stay with the team, which automatically costs them a year of their deal, or are sent back for further development.

Last season there was plenty of talk about whether Mitch Marner would be with the Leafs beyond that nine-game threshold, and we all saw how that turned out.

Liljegren could learn much by playing in the NHL early this season, before the Leafs make the final decision regarding his destination.

The Arizona Coyotes made this decision with their talented young forward prospect Dylan Strome, who earned one assist in the seven NHL games he played last season.

With the team deeming Strome not yet ready for the NHL, he was sent back to the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, where he picked up 22 goals and 75 total points in 35 appearances.

With a talent such as Liljegren, he should be nurtured but he should also be given the opportunity to show management what kind of player they have on their hands.

Giving him a nine-game run with the team to start the season to demonstrate where he is at in his early career, could help them decide whether or not to send him back to Sweden or keep him around with their affiliate club.

One recent rumour has even touted the possibility of Liljegren being sent to the OHL, much like Strome was last season.

But that isn’t likely to be an option for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Next: Leafs deciding where Liljegren will play

Where do you think Liljegren should spend the season? Should he go to the AHL or return home to the SHL? Should he be given a short spell in the NHL to get a taste of the big league first? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Toronto Maple Leafs: Timothy Liljegren’s path to the NHL

By James Reeve | Jul 14, 2017

Timothy Liljegren was selected 17th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs at this year’s draft, but his path to the big leagues could take a number of routes.