Sharks Trade for Liljegren; Leafs Get Picks, Benning

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded defenseman Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Matt Benning and two draft picks, a 2025 third-rounder and a 2026 sixth-rounder. This move helps the Leafs with their salary cap, as Benning has a $1.25 million cap hit compared to Liljegren’s $3 million. While Benning joins Toronto, there is speculation that he might be traded again soon, given the Leafs' current roster situation. Liljegren, despite showing potential, struggled to find a consistent role with Toronto and is expected to fit well with the Sharks, who are looking for puck-moving capabilities on defense. The trade has sparked varied reactions; some fans and teammates express regret over Liljegren’s departure, while others believe it is a necessary move for both player and team development. The Leafs are now focused on addressing their roster needs, particularly as they have ongoing concerns about their lineup structure.