For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter
The debut of Timothy Liljegren was inauspicious to say the least, as the rookie defenseman was on the ice for four goals in a 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens prospects at Ricoh Coliseum on Friday, but mistakes will be part of the learning process for the Toronto Maple Leafs top pick.
“It was a pretty sloppy unorganized game by us and they doesn’t play into his kind of game (and) I think he’d probably be a little frustrated with that.… Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe said on Friday. “(A third period) power play and just some other plays he made throughout the game showed some positive things.…
Liljegren best moments in the contest were carrying the puck and in the offensive zone, but his game in the defensive end will dictate how long it will take the 18-year-old to make it to the NHL.
Thomas Ebbing opens up the scoring making a nifty move before roofing it #Habs pic.twitter.com/KLDBYFjRTU
— Shayne Pasquino (@shaynepasquino) September 8, 2017
The 17th overall pick will get a chance to move past his sluggish start in the final game of the three-day Rookie Tournament against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday afternoon, with the Leafs possibly without three defensemen.
The Leafs lost two blueliners during Friday’s contest, 2017 second round pick Eemeli Rasanen suffered an ankle injury in the first period and 2016 draftee Keaton Middleton did not return after a spirited bout with Habs prospect Michael Pezzetta.
Marlies defenseman Travis Dermott did not play in the game after becoming ill on Friday and was not on the ice for practice on Saturday.
A beauty from @jbracco97. #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/VGsoZMT1LC
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 9, 2017
Adam Brooks will not play against Ottawa in the tournament finale, as the former Regina Pats center is still recovering from a bout of mononucleosis.
*******
The likelihood of Liljegren returning to Sweden after training camp appears to be decreasing. According to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, Rogle BK GM Anders Carlsson is not expecting the 18-year-old blueliner to be back.
“I have a good relationship with Lou Lamoriello, he was my GM when I played in the NHL, so I’ve known him for a long time. We have full respect with whatever (the Leafs) decide to do.… … Carlsson said. “We’ll be very happy if Timmy comes back to us. If not, we’ll be happy for him. He’s a great kid. It’s huge for us that a team like Toronto Maple Leafs wants to sign one of our young players.…
Unless he exceeds expectations at training camp or makes remarkable progress in his first North American season, it is likely that Toronto will keep Liljegren with the AHL Toronto Marlies all season and not burn the first year of his entry-level deal, along with allowing him to play for Sweden at the 2018 World Junior in Buffalo.
*******If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact… button at the top of the page.*******