Timothy Liljegren

Those waiting for Liljegren to seize a full-time role with the Leafs more or less got their wish a season ago, as he played in 61 of the club's 82 games. Liljegren managed five goals, 23 points and a plus-15 rating. The scoring numbers were perfectly reasonable considering he saw just 17 seconds of power-play time per game. Liljegren won't turn 24 until late April, so there's still long-term upside here, but it's difficult to see him producing enough to become a fantasy asset unless his role with the man advantage increases. That seems unlikely with Morgan Rielly around.

Liljegren failed to impress in 2019-20, producing only one assist in 11 contests for the Maple Leafs. There's still reason to have hopes for the top prospect, as he produced 30 points in 40 contests with the AHL's Toronto Marlies last year, but competition for playing time in 2020-21 will be high. More than likely, Liljegren will find himself on the Maple Leafs' taxi squad or in the press box as a healthy scratch frequently during the upcoming season. He's still worth holding onto in dynasty formats -- he was the 17th overall pick in 2017 and still has plenty of time to prove he was worth that selection.

Liljegren is a smooth-skating, right-shot defender with tremendous upside. Some scouts question the 20-year-old's attitude, but (AHL) Marlies' coach Sheldon Kennedy likes the growth in his game and eagerness to learn. Liljegren was passed by fellow Swede Rasmus Sandin this past season, but part of that could be attributed to lost development time due to injury. The Leafs like to slow-bake their prospects in the AHL for several seasons and Liljegren will surely benefit from an increased role with the Marlies in 2019-20. Toronto is hoping he can develop a consistent approach in the offensive zone so that he's more than just another great-skating, but interchangeable puck mover.

Liljegren's stock plummeted prior to the 2017 NHL Entry Draft due to concerns over his abilities on the defensive end of the ice, resulting in his selection 17th overall. He made the transition to the AHL last season after previously playing in Sweden and had little trouble adjusting, racking up 17 points -- one goal and 16 assists -- over 44 games while posting a plus-12 rating to suggest he's refining his two-way game. The 19-year-old blueliner will be given a look during training camp and could be a candidate to join the Maple Leafs at some point this season or next if his development continues.