Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Maple Leafs and Utah Blue Line Trade Could Be Impacted by Injuries

Injuries Could Lead to Maple Leafs and Utah Blue Line Trade


As rumors swirl around Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren, Jonathan Larivee of Hockey Feed mentioned the possibility of a trade idea with the newly established Utah Hockey Club. Since the preseason, Liljegren’s name has frequently surfaced in trade discussions, particularly as head coach Craig Berube seems to favor a different defensive style that doesn’t align with Liljegren’s skill set. The young defenseman has been scratched for much of the season, prompting speculation that the Leafs might look to move him on a more permanent basis. Unfortunately, Utah is dealing with injuries to key defensemen, opening up the door for a deal.

Utah Maple Leafs trade rumors

Both John Marino and Sean Durzi are expected to be out for an extended period, with NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reporting on Monday’s 32 Thoughts podcast that Durzi’s absence could extend up to four or five months. Marino’s situation isn’t as severe, but he is also not expected to return soon. With both key players out of action, Utah might look to find a suitable replacement.

Friedman suggests that other teams could see Utah’s predicament as an opportunity to negotiate favorable trades and this might be an opportunity for the Leafs to unload Liljegren as a cap savings play, without having to give up a sweetener to do so.

Would Utah Take on Liljegren in a Trade with the Maple Leafs?

Some will argue that Liljegren is a better player than someone who should be dumped in a cap-clearing trade, but his lack of sticking in the lineup and his contract, which carries a cap hit of $3 million per season for the next two years, may pose challenges for potential suitors under the NHL salary cap. Cap space is not an issue for Utah. And, because they might be in dire need of a defenseman, this scenario makes some sense.

The Maple Leafs, seeking to offload Liljegren, could find a willing trade partner in Utah. A deal could provide mutual benefits, allowing Toronto to clear cap space while giving Utah the defensive depth they desperately need. As Friedman aptly noted, “The vultures start circling,” indicating that a trade could be on the horizon.

Next: Jeff Skinner Gets Promotion With Oilers After Strong Start