After making a massive move early in the morning hours, the Washington Capitals are back at it, acquiring Timothy Liljegren from the San Jose Sharks.
Washington gave up a 2026 fourth-round pick, originally owned by the Vegas Golden Knights to acquire Liljegren.
This move comes after the Capitals traded franchise defender John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks for two picks, and it created a need for youth on the blueline. Liljegren comes in as a solid depth defender, but he’s emerged as a strong option in San Jose to climb up the depth chart.
Since being drafted 17th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Liljegren has played in 307 NHL games across seven seasons. He’s posted 93 points (21G, 72A) and 129 PIMs in that time.
Liljegren was a part of the 2018 Toronto Marlies roster that won the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup. He’s also suited up in one ECHL game for the now-defunct Newfoundland Growlers.
With Liljegren heading to Washington, he reunites with his former defensive partner, Rasmus Sandin, although it is unlikely the two will play together right away.
For San Jose, Liljegren posted 17 points (6G, 11A) and 36 PIMs in 67 games last year. He was a minus-25 on the Sharks last season, and this year, he’s improved that to just a minus-seven. This season, Liljegren has 11 points (1G, 10A) and 27 PIMs.
Washington gets younger on the blueline, adding a 6-foot-1 defender who is a right shot, which is considered a premium in today’s NHL.
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Conrad Jack is a Manitoba-based media credentialed sportswriter covering the Winnipeg Jets (NHL) and the Manitoba Moose (AHL). He also covers the NHL Draft and World Junior Championship for ITR. He also covers league-wide news in his weekly series ‘Saturday’s notebook’ and through individual articles.