Sharks acquire defenseman Timothy Liljegren in a trade with the Maple Leafs

Sharks acquire defenseman Timothy Liljegren in a trade with the Maple Leafs | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren (37) plays against the Detroit Red Wings in the second period of an preseason NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Timothy Liljegren from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

They sent fellow defenseman Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round pick and a sixth-rounder back in the trade finalized Wednesday.

Liljegren, a 25-year-old Swede, has appeared in one game so far this season. He is a veteran of 210 regular-season and playoff games in the NHL.

The Maple Leafs clear more than $1.5 million in salary cap space with the move that sets the table to activate free agent signing Jani Hakanpää off long-term injured reserve. Liljegren is making $3 million and Benning $1.25 million, with each player under contract through next season.

Toronto gets the earlier of the three third-round selections San Jose has. The Leafs added Hakanpää and Chris Tanev on their blue line looking to bulk up after another first-round playoff exit, and the 30-year-old Benning brings more size and physicality.

Sharks acquire defenseman Timothy Liljegren in a trade with the Maple Leafs | iNFOnews.ca
San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Benning warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The rebuilding Sharks in Liljegren get a younger player with more offensive potential who might benefit from a change of scenery.

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