Few Maple Leafs looked more glum during opening night home introductions than Timothy Liljegren.
As the camera panned the Toronto bench of those not in uniform Saturday, the Swedish defenceman’s doleful gaze looked even more mournful when his close-up was enlarged on the Scotiabank Arena screen.
His demeanor on Monday was a lot better after coach Craig Berube elevated him to the third pairing with Simon Benoit at practice and said later there’s “a chance” Liljegren makes his season debut Wednesday at home against the Los Angeles Kings.
Conor Timmins would come out, spending Monday with spare defenceman Philippe Myers and the injured Jani Hakanpaa.
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“Not a lot of fun not playing,” Liljegren understated. “but I’ve been trying to come in and work as hard as I can to get back in. I don’t have a good answer why (he fell out of favour). I tried my best, it didn’t go my way.”
Both Berube and Liljegren spoke of productive talks the past week to recalibrate the start of his season. Beginning a two-year contract at $3 million AAV, it was bad optics to drop out from the top six, even with newcomers Chris Tanev and Oliver-Ekman Larsson guaranteed spots.
“It’s more like playing an easier, simpler game,” Liljegren said of the coach’s advice. “I think that’s it. Play hard and simple.”
Berube praised Liijegren for bringing “more intensity” to practice, “doing things more quickly.”
Liljegren and Benoit played one pre-season game together and the anticipation is the physical Benoit will be the ideal complement and allow him more time and space.
“He’s a big body, I’m sure it will suit me,” Liljegren said. “I’ve struggled a bit, but the team is playing well (with a 2-1-0 record).”
With the Mitch Marner trade mania dying down, then all the late summer speculation when Nick Robertson first requested to move, Liljegren now is the subject of rumours this month, even though he just signed his new deal at a significant price.
“I try not to think about it much, I’m not on social media.” Liljegren said. “If something happens, it does.
“I had some tough times here last year, too, and I got through it. I’m sure it will be no different this time. I love Toronto, came over here when I was 18 (to be part of a Marlies’ Calder Cup club), love the city, love the team.”