The San Jose Sharks have traded defenseman Timothy Liljegren to the Washington Capitals. As of this moment, we’re still waiting to see what the return is on this trade.
Update: The Sharks will receive Vegas’ 2026 fourth- round pick from Washington in exchange for Liljegren. Remember that San Jose gave up Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs to acquire Liljegren.
The 26-year-old Liljegren never seemed to find a place in the Sharks’ lineup this season. Though he had his moments, there was never consistency in his game that forced his way into the lineup. Oftentimes, Liljegren found himself healthy scratched for other players within the Sharks’ organization.
In total, he played 43 games for the Sharks this season and had 11 points (1 G, 10 A).
The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn describes Liljegren as “…a second pair defenseman with some defensive upside who took on tough minutes with San Jose and held his own.” While I tend to like him modeling, Sharks’ fans might argue that Liljegren failed to do some of the little things in front of the net that they desired the most, including boxing out players defensively and making harder plays in the defensive zone.
Timothy Liljegren has found his level as a second pair defenseman with some defensive upside. Took on the toughest minutes in San Jose this season and held his own. pic.twitter.com/7U8qoFLVkK
— dom 📈 (@domluszczyszyn) March 6, 2026
JFresh Hockey, who has watched a few more Sharks games says Liljegren didn’t “exactly move the needle in a top four role with SJ.”
Timothy Liljegren, acquired by WSH, is a mobile puck-moving defenceman. Didn’t exactly move the needle in a top four role with SJ. Chance for a fresh start with the Caps (and reunited with Sandin). #AllCaps pic.twitter.com/N9dKcYzvjU
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 6, 2026
Above his JFresh’s projection for Liljegren.
While the Sharks are surrendering a right-shot defenseman, whether or not this deal is worth it will depend on the return.