The Worst Is Confirmed for Maple Leafs Defensemen

The Toronto Maple Leafs have confirmed that D Timothy Liljegren will be out for an extended period of time, being played on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), just announced by the team. The Leafs also recalled D Simon Benoit and Max Lajoie from the AHL Toronto Marlies in a corresponding move.

Liljegren, 24, left Toronto's game vs the Boston Bruins in the first period after being knocked to the boards by Bruins Forward Brad Marchand. Liljegren appeared to hit his head on the ice, but it's unclear if that played any part in his absence. Liljegren did not return to the game after leaving early.

Liljegren has a point in 10 games for Toronto, while being a consistent top-four defenseman for the Leafs this season. Lilejregn was a 1st Round Pick of the Leafs in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, 17th Overall. NHL Player Safety did not issue it would hold a hearing on Marchand's play, meaning there will likely be no suspension or fine over the incident.