When most prospects improve, they don’t change the fabric of their game. Timothy Liljegren is different. His progression isn’t just improvement — it’s evolution.



When the Leafs drafted Liljegren in 2017, he was an offence-first blueliner with lousy defence and decision-making. As Liljegren enters the NHL, that player is hardly recognizable. Liljegren’s defence and decision-making are his defining characteristics, the characteristics that could make him a mainstay with the Leafs for years to come.



In the two seasons preceding Liljegren’s draft, he didn’t show much in the way of defensive skill and awareness. Sure, he had some ability to make stops thanks to his quickness, but he also stood around his net with no purpose. He let attackers move around him unimpeded.



Now, Liljegren’s off-puck defence is his best defensive attribute. It’s impressive. He can lockdown fast-moving...