Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren on ESPN.com. Arguably one of the better two-way defensemen in the AHL at the moment, he has 29 points in 38 games for the Toronto Marlies while being used in all situations. Then on day one of practice on Monday, Timothy Liljegren was absent, and in accordance with the NHL’s new rules, the only thing Sheldon Keefe was allowed to say was he was unfit to play. Also on Monday, the NHL issued their weekly report of positive tests:Like us on Facebook to see similar storiesThen on day one of practice on Monday, Timothy Liljegren was absent, and in accordance with the NHL’s new rules, the only thing Sheldon Keefe was allowed to say was he was unfit to play.Liljegren could be sick with COVID-19, he could be an asymptomatic positive, he could have a blister that won’t go away, the ‘flu, a cold, a broken ankle, a serious knee injury or he might have shown up actually not fit.Those tests occurred in Phase 2 only, and don’t include the intake testing of arrivals to training camp who were not in Phase 2. The 20-year old was selected 17th overall in 2017 but has played in the minor leagues for all but one game to this point. Place your bets on the first player to become the subject of sourced reporting like Auston Matthews was during Phase 2, because that, like the speculation, is inevitable. As they and the rest of the NHL prepares for tonight, we’ll keep track of all the minor moves.There are several options for the Maple Leafs to mull over assuming the blueliner doesn’t crack the NHL roster right away (which he’s not likely to do). For a team that has been desperately searching for help on the right side, the right-handed Lilejegren may get a chance to stick around.11 games are on tap for tonight in a busy evening for the NHL, including the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche clashing in an important Central Division match. Otherwise, they’ll have to leave enough room for his return off long-term injured reserve before the playoffs.
Not likely, but the NHL’s rules, detailed in a brief release, try to curb speculation about which players have tested positive for COVID-19, and instead they’ve amped it up to the point where every single “unfit to play” is first assumed to be anything but an injury.Today, he’s out, and Hollowell is back in.The original Maple Leafs training camp roster included Mac Hollowell, but he was cut before it began, and replaced by Nic Petan, who had been declared fit to play after some sort of training injury. Since he wasn’t drafted out of the CHL, he is eligible to play for the AHL’s Marlies even though he’s just 18. Many said right away that it was a steal, but those decision making questions still remain.
Timothy Liljegren profile page, biographical information, injury history and news However, the most likely outcome at this point would be to start in the AHL where the team could have full control over his ice time and can ease him in at their own pace. Sandin, the 29th overall pick from 2018, had ten points in 18 games for the Marlies this year and logged huge minutes for Sweden in the recent tournament. Making the jump to North America would give him an early chance to work in the Maple Leafs’ system and attempt to start minimizing those mistakes, while also giving him an opportunity to showcase his elite skating ability in front of the hometown crowd.With just one game on the schedule for this evening, teams are licking their wounds waiting for the New Year and the second half of the NHL season. Stay up to date with NHL player news, rumors, updates, analysis and more at FOX Sports. The Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins will be in action, but even those on a rest day will be making minor tweaks. And place your bets on all of them to be the subject of internet rumours.When we know how many Phase 3 tests have come back positive, presumably Monday, everyone can look over the list of “unfit to play” players and make assumptions.Does any of this matter to the Leafs final playoff roster?