The Athletic’s James Mirtle revealed in his annual Leafs’ mailbag why Timothy Liljegren may struggle the most under Craig Berube.
Every year, James Mirtle of The Athletic answers a number of questions from Leaf fans about the upcoming season. In his latest edition, one of the questions Mirtle responded to was which Leaf will have the hardest time adjusting to Craig Berube’s coaching style.
“Unfortunately, I think the obvious answer might be Timothy Liljegren,” wrote Mirtle. “It sounds like they’re going to start with either OEL or Jake McCabe on the right side, which means pushing Liljegren down to the third pairing. If Berube’s not loving what he’s seeing from that duo, he could really limit their ice time. And I can’t see him getting as much PP time.”
Liljegren was expected to take a step forward in his development last season, but after being injured against the Boston Bruins early in the season, never really looked like himself upon his return. At one point, former head coach Sheldon Keefe even said that Liljegren would have been a scratch if it wasn’t for the fact he was their only right-handed defenseman available. Liljegren skated in just 55 games last season for the Leafs where he registered 3 goals and 23 points in just under 20 minutes of ice time per game.
The Swedish blueliner has not managed to play more than third-pairing minutes with an real consistency and he hasn’t found a way to contribute more offensively to help offset some of the defensive miscues. He is also going to lose his power play time to the likes of Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who offers more offense and experience.
With training camp around the corner, Liljegren will have to make a very good first impression with Berube on the defensive side of the puck, or it will make for a very long season with plenty of trips to the press box, or perhaps even a trade.
News
Palestine Action ‘terror’ group behind RAF Brize Norton raid ‘plots attacks on three more air bases and drone factory’
Keep scrolling for a map highlighting potential targets THE Palestine Action group behind the RAF Brize Norton raid is reportedly plotting attacks on three more air bases and a drone factory. The organisation is believed to be planning hits on…
Zion Williamson Finally Speaks Out on Shocking Allegations, Reveals Bold Response Plan
Zion Williamson Breaks Silence Over Explosive Allegations, Calls Lawsuit ‘Defamatory and Financially Motivated’ In a stunning development that has rocked the NBA world, New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is at the center of a legal firestorm following explosive allegations…
HOT NEWS ALERT: What was in that bag? Stefon Diggs hands off a suspicious package during a wild yacht party, and social media detectives are on the case. Theories are flying—and some are downright scandalous. This moment could be more than just a party clip!
“What Was in the Pink Bag? Stefon Diggs Sparks NFL Controversy After Yacht Party with Cardi B Goes Viral” Stefon Diggs is living large—maybe too large. The New England Patriots wide receiver has never been shy about enjoying the finer…
BREAKING: Shannon Sharpe just made a career-shaking announcement while staring down a $50 million lawsuit. Fans are stunned—was it a retirement, a power move, or something darker? The timing is no coincidence, and now the internet is split: is this damage control or defiance?
Shannon Sharpe Postpones Nightcap Tour Amid $50 Million ***ual ****ult Lawsuit: What It Means for His Media Empire and Career In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the sports and entertainment world, NFL Hall of Famer…
CAUGHT RED-HANDED: A cameraman was exposed during a live women’s tennis match for zooming in from an inappropriate angle—and the moment the umpire called him out? The entire stadium gasped. Social media is in flames. Fans are demanding answers. Who let this happen… and how long has it gone on?
“BACK OFF!” Tennis Star Danielle Collins Confronts Cameraman in Fiery Courtside Clash During Strasbourg Match—Fans Divided Over How Close Is Too Close It wasn’t a racquet smash or an umpire outburst that stirred the biggest conversation at the Internationaux de…
SHOCKING RISE: From Chicago streets to the Vatican throne? Robert Prevost’s hidden past and fast climb through the church ranks will leave you stunned.
Chicago Native Becomes First American Pope, Ushering in a New Era for the Catholic Church Vatican City / Chicago – May 9, 2025 White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel this morning, signaling a monumental decision that would reverberate around…
End of content
No more pages to load
