The San Jose Sharks have traded defenseman Timothy Liljegren to the Washington Capitals, according to NHL Insider Chris Johnston.
The Washington Capitals are acquiring Timothy Liljegren
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 6, 2026
Liljegren, 26, is in the final year of his contract, which carries a $3 million AAV. Including Liljegren, the Sharks have four pending UFA defensemen. Multiple reports say the Sharks have been listening to offers for all of these players, and now Liljegren is the first to be moved.
San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier acquired Liljegren from the Toronto Maple Leafs in October of 2024. The Sharks send Matt Benning, the Colorado Avalanche’s 2025 3rd round pick, and a 2026 6th round pick.
In 110 games for the Sharks. Liljegren had seven goals and 21 assists. The former first-round pick hasn’t been able to find a long-term home in the NHL, but has played 307 career games. If he wasn’t traded, the expectation was that Liljegren would be a healthy scratch for a third straight game.
The San Jose Sharks acquired a 4th-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in exchange for Liljegren. The pick originally belonged to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The NHL Trade Deadline is at 12 p.m. PT.