Timothy Liljegren Drawing Trade Buzz - Which Teams Make the Most Sense?
As the NHL trade freeze nears its end, Timothy Liljegren’s name continues to bubble up in league circles - and for good reason. The 24-year-old right-shot defenseman has quietly become one of the more intriguing trade chips on the San Jose Sharks’ roster. He brings mobility, puck-moving ability, and untapped upside to a position that’s always in high demand: right-handed defense.
Liljegren hasn’t exactly lit up the stat sheet in San Jose, but that says more about the rebuilding Sharks than it does about his potential value to a playoff contender or a team looking to solidify its blue line for the future. With his contract status and skill set, he checks a lot of boxes for clubs seeking depth with upside. So let’s break down three teams that could realistically be in the mix - and why Liljegren might be a fit.
Pittsburgh Penguins: A Familiar Face for Dubas
The Penguins weren’t exactly a preseason darling, but they’ve played their way into the playoff picture and currently sit second in the Metropolitan Division. That alone makes them a team to watch at the deadline. But what makes them particularly interesting in the Liljegren sweepstakes is the Kyle Dubas connection.
Dubas, now running the show in Pittsburgh, was the GM in Toronto when Liljegren was drafted 17th overall in 2017. That familiarity could matter.
Dubas knows what Liljegren brings - and what he still might become. The Penguins could use more depth on the right side of their defense, especially behind veterans like Kris Letang.
If they’re looking to add a younger, cost-controlled option who can move the puck and play with pace, Liljegren fits the mold.
He wouldn’t be expected to carry a top-four load right away, which might be ideal. In Pittsburgh, he could slot into a third-pairing role with second-unit power-play potential - and grow from there.
Detroit Red Wings: Building for the Present and Future
Detroit’s rebuild has been methodical, but the Red Wings are knocking on the playoff door and could be ready to make a push. Adding a right-shot defenseman is on their radar, and Liljegren would be a logical target.
The fit here is all about role and upside. Detroit could use an upgrade on the bottom pairing, and Liljegren offers a skill set that complements their existing defensive corps. He’s not a bruiser, but he’s got the skating and puck skills to help in transition - something the Wings have emphasized under head coach Derek Lalonde.
And while he might not be a finished product, Detroit’s timeline allows for a little patience. If Liljegren finds his footing, he could grow into a more prominent role over time. For a team trying to end a nine-year playoff drought, adding a player who helps now and potentially more down the line is the kind of move that makes sense.
Buffalo Sabres: Depth Needed, Opportunity Available
Buffalo has been stuck in that frustrating middle ground - not quite rebuilding, not quite contending - and their blue line has reflected that inconsistency. The Sabres have talent on the back end, but they’re thin on the right side, especially when it comes to reliable, everyday contributors.
Enter Liljegren.
He wouldn’t be asked to be a savior in Buffalo, but he could fill a very real need. The Sabres have been looking to stabilize their defensive depth, and Liljegren gives them a young, NHL-ready option who can eat minutes and help move the puck out of the zone. It’s not a flashy move, but it’s the kind of hockey trade that could pay off if he finds his stride in a more structured environment.
For Buffalo, this would be about adding stability and seeing if there’s more to unlock in a player who hasn’t yet reached his ceiling.
Final Thoughts
Timothy Liljegren isn’t going to headline trade deadline coverage, but don’t let that fool you - he could be a sneaky valuable pickup for the right team. He’s young, right-handed, and has enough NHL experience to step into a lineup without much ramp-up time. Whether it’s a playoff contender like Pittsburgh, a rising team like Detroit, or a retooling squad like Buffalo, there’s a clear path for Liljegren to make an impact.
As the trade market heats up, keep an eye on where he lands. Sometimes, the under-the-radar moves are the ones that end up making the biggest difference down the stretch.