‘It Seemed Like He Was Feeling Well’: When Timothy Liljegren Might Return to the Maple Leafs Lineup, plus a Calle Jarnkrok Update
Liljegren has been sidelined for two weeks due to an upper-body ailment, and Jarnkrok’s return appears to be further away.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Timothy Liljegren joined his teammates for an optional skate before their game against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.
Liljegren last played on March 26 in a 6-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils, and it was soon discovered that he had suffered an upper-body injury. Following the team’s 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on April 6, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was asked about Liljegren and winger Calle Jarnkrok regarding the likelihood of either
“It is not ruled out. “There’s a chance,” Keefe stated. “Probably only the last two games would be worth considering, but it is possible.
Liljegren appears to be on track to play in those games, as the defenseman is expected to participate in his first practice since his injury on Friday.
“I haven’t received the report on how today went. But it appeared that he was feeling great,” Keefe said of Liljegren on Thursday, indicating that he could return before the playoffs. “We’ll take it a day at a time from there.”
Following Thursday’s game against the Devils, the Leafs will have three regular-season games left before the playoffs start.
Jarnkrok’s future appears to be less certain.
The forward skated with the skills staff on Thursday morning but has yet to join his teammates on the ice. On March 14, the forward injured his hand while playing against the Philadelphia Flyers.
According to PuckPedia.com, Toronto’s cap space is only $547,499, and activating Jarnkrok’s $2.1 million cap hit would need clearing $1.552 million. If Toronto chooses to go that route, they may send Matthews Knies ($925k) and Nick Robertson ($796,667) down to accommodate Jarnkrok for a game or two. That is the only method to activate Jarnkrok without placing anyone else on waivers first.
Liljegren has three goals and 20 assists through 52 games this season. As the Leafs continue to determine which six defenseman will start Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Liljegren’s regular-season performance could be crucial.
Jarnkrok has 10 goals and 11 assists over 52 games. The forward also suffered a wrist injury in January, which sidelined him for an extended length of time.
