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Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 Defencemen to Consider in 2017 Draft

By James Reeve

Dec 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock gestures as he speaks to his players during a 3-2 loss to Anaheim Ducks at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock gestures as he speaks to his players during a 3-2 loss to Anaheim Ducks at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 11, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs logo on the offices of the Air Canada Centre before the final game of the season against the Montreal Canadiens at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

1) TIMOTHY LILJEGREN

Rögle BK (SHL) | Sweden | 6’0 | 198lbs | Ranked 7th

Liljegren has been at the top of every 2017 NHL draft prospect list for a defenceman for as long as the rankings have been going and, despite missing part of this season due to illness, he remains at the pinnacle.

The biggest positive for Liljegren is the experience he is earning for Rögle BK in Sweden’s top professional league, the SHL, which sees him come up against fully grown men of all shapes, sizes and experience.

Having played in a professional league will give any rookie an advantage when being drafted and the hope is that Liljegren can translate his game quickly come next season.

Even if Liljegren needs some time to adjust to the pace and style of the NHL, he only turns 18 in April and his accomplishments in the SHL have come at the same age as most players in major junior.

He is not a big points producer, with only three assists in 11 SHL games this season, but with the offensive talent already involved with the team, this is not an area of concern.

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