Toronto’s first round pick Timothy Liljegren has impressed in development camp with his size and skill, working with Stephane Robidas. At a healthy 6’4 and after being projected to go much earlier, some Leafs fans have hoped that they might get a glimpse of the young Swede on the backend. Outside of pre-season, that doesn’t seem to be the case. In all likelihood, it seems Liljegren will be headed back to Sweden or to the Ontario Hockey League, according to his own comments on NHL.com. The Leafs’ defense is particularly deep, so it was always a long-shot to see him crack the squad. Management won’t look to rush him into a roster spot, and that seems a wise decision. Regardless of his very apparent ability, further development at a lower level will only improve his staying power in the NHL.
- As mentioned in an earlier PHR post, the New York Post’s Larry Brooks mentioned Tyler Bozak as a potential target for the Rangers. But it also seems probable he could land elsewhere. Many teams are on the hunt for cheap center help, and with Toronto looking towards their future contract obligations, Bozak seems rather expendable. Pittsburgh is absolutely in need, and he would be a phenomenal fit with Phil Kessel, considering their past chemistry. Another team who is very willing to make moves at the moment is Arizona. They already stole a valuable player in Derek Stepan, but GM John Chayka seems adept in transaction and eager to engage the trade market. Adding Bozak would add some two-way ability and allow other players, such as Christian Dvorak, to slot back into more natural roles. After apparently missing out on the Matt Duchene sweepstakes, Bozak could even be a decent option for 3rd pivot in Nashville. Bozak will draw lots of attention if and/or when he is shopped.
- The Red Wings are not looking to make many moves at the moment, according to Michigan Live’s Ansar Khan. The Tomas Tatar negotiations are apparently not going well. Khan believes the team could look to move him later on, but both parties expect him to play the bulk of the season before that option is considered. Andreas Athanasiou would be another option to move, but again Khan believes the team will see how well it does in battling for a post-season berth before heading in that direction. GM Ken Holland seems to be relatively content with the group he has, and with few off-season moves it could be another rough year in Detroit if certain players don’t make incredible strides.
Why would Nashville add Bozak’s $4.2 million contract when they have Johanson, Jarnkrok, Bonino, Sissons & Gaudreau at center. That would be a waste. Nashville could use another winger to help make up for the loss of Neal. They don’t need another center.
I would hardly call the Stepan deal a steal for Arizona. He’s paid like a first line center but he doesn’t really play like one. Has only scored over 20 goals twice in his career and isn’t that good on faceoffs. He’s a solid, if unspectacular center, who gets paid like a first-line center but plays at a second-line level.
I agree I think that was a win-win trade, maybe Yotes with a slight edge. Good two way 2nd line center, but can not win a faceoff for his life, and that cap hit.
I was shocked Boston didnt trade up a couple spots for Liljegren after watching him continue to fall. I thought he was going to make it all the way to them once Toronto was on the clock, but now I’m just mad they didn’t trade up.