The NHL was alive with excitement as the Toronto Maple Leafs sent defenseman Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks.
In return, Toronto snagged Matt Benning, a solid defenseman, along with a valuable third-round pick for the 2025 NHL Draft and a sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft.
As part of the deal, the Leafs will get the earlier of the two third-round picks the Sharks had, thanks to prior trades with the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche.
It’s always exciting to see how these draft picks play out, so keep an eye on this swap in the coming years!
Rising NHL Defenseman with a Promising Career
Timothy Liljegren, now with the San Jose Sharks, is carving out a name for himself in the NHL as a reliable young defenseman.
At just 25, Liljegren has shown his skills on the ice with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although he played in only one of Toronto’s games this season, his performance last year included 23 points, with his three goals and 20 assists in 55 games.
Liljegren was a first-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft and has managed to rack up 65 points, with 14 goals and 51 assists throughout his 197-game regular-season career.
His playoff experience, although limited, adds valuable depth to his portfolio as he notched an assist in one of those critical games.
As Liljegren takes his talents to the Sharks, fans are eager to see how he will bolster the team’s defense.
When measuring the chances for upcoming games, odds by FanDuel provide fans with quick and simple insights into game predictions. Whether you’re rooting for the Sharks, the Leafs, or any other team, keeping an eye on these odds can make following the season even more exciting.
Benning’s Experience and Current Season Performance
Matt Benning may not have scored in seven games this season with the San Jose Sharks, but his experience on the ice brings real value. At 30, he’s been around the NHL block, first selected by the Boston Bruins in 2012.
Since then, he’s notched up 102 points through his solid defense with 17 goals and 85 assists across 464 games, playing for the Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and Nashville Predators. He’s also pitched in during playoffs with five assists over 24 games.
Despite a slow start this season, Benning’s veteran presence is vital for the Sharks as they try to improve their record, especially after recent victories against Utah and Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, as the Toronto Maple Leafs get ready to face the Seattle Kraken, both teams are eager to build on their recent wins. The Sharks are also prepping to take on the Chicago Blackhawks.
Hockey fans should keep tabs on these matchups, as there’s always excitement just around the corner on the ice.
The Takeaway
The trade between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the San Jose Sharks brings excitement and opportunities for both teams.
Timothy Liljegren will strengthen the Sharks’ defense with his promising talent, while Matt Benning’s experience will aid the Leafs.
The draft picks exchanged add extra interest for fans, as their future impacts remain to be seen.
Keeping an eye on these developments is sure to be rewarding for hockey enthusiasts.
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