On the eve of free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs re-signed defenseman Timothy Liljegren to a two-year contract, with an average annual value of $3 million, the club announced Sunday.
Liljegren, 25, appeared in 55 games with the Maple Leafs last season, finishing with three goals and 20 assists. The 2017 first-round selection played in six of the seven game in Toronto's first-round loss to the Boston Bruins, averaging 17:52 of ice time.
The Maple Leafs are looking to shore up their backline beyond just Liljegren before the unrestricted signing period begins at noon ET on Monday. On Saturday, they acquired the signing rights to defenseman Chris Tanev in a trade with the Dallas Stars, in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick and prospect Max Ellis.
Toronto rightly anticipated Tanev would have several suitors as a free agent. The veteran is a coveted right-shot defender who would instantly take on a top-pairing role for the Maple Leafs. Toronto has been desperate to match Morgan Rielly with a new partner, and Tanev could be the right fit.