Maple Leafs Make Corresponding Roster Move Following The Return Of Two Key Players From Injury
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a significant roster move on Thursday in response to the return of two key players from injury. After missing several weeks due to various ailments, defenseman Timothy Liljegren and forward Nick Robertson were cleared to return to action, prompting the team to make a corresponding move to stay compliant with the salary cap and roster size regulations.
Liljegren, who had been sidelined with a lower-body injury, and Robertson, recovering from a shoulder issue, both bring crucial depth to the Leafs’ lineup. Liljegren has been a steady presence on the blue line this season, contributing to Toronto’s defensive structure with his smooth skating and reliable puck-moving ability. Robertson, on the other hand, had been impressing in his limited appearances with the Leafs earlier in the season, bringing speed and scoring potential to their forward corps.
To accommodate their returns, the Maple Leafs placed forward Alex Steeves on waivers, allowing the team to send him to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies if he clears. Steeves, who had been a consistent contributor on the bottom six, will now have the opportunity to continue his development in the minors. While his contributions were valuable during his stint with the big club, the return of Robertson provides a boost to the forward group, and Steeves, unfortunately, became the odd man out in this situation.
The timing of the move is significant as the Leafs enter a critical stretch of games leading up to the All-Star break. With both Liljegren and Robertson back in the fold, head coach Sheldon Keefe now has more options to work with, particularly in terms of roster depth and matchups. Liljegren’s return strengthens Toronto’s defense, providing more stability on the back end and additional mobility, while Robertson’s speed and ability to finish plays bolster the team’s offensive capabilities.
Robertson, in particular, has shown the potential to make an impact when healthy. After an impressive training camp, the 22-year-old forward looked poised for a breakout season, but injuries have limited his opportunities. His return to the lineup is a welcome one for a Leafs team that has been dealing with injuries to key players throughout the year. His ability to play up and down the lineup gives Keefe flexibility in how he configures his forward lines, and his skill set provides another weapon for the Leafs as they continue their push toward the postseason.
Meanwhile, Liljegren’s return on defense is equally important. The Leafs’ blue line has been under pressure at times this season, and adding a player who can skate the puck out of trouble and join the rush should improve the team’s overall transition game. His chemistry with defensive partner Morgan Rielly has been evident in previous seasons, and the hope is that this pairing can quickly find its rhythm once again.
With the addition of Liljegren and Robertson, the Maple Leafs are hoping to put their injury woes behind them and start building momentum as the season progresses. The team has been playing well despite the absence of key players, but with these reinforcements, they now have the potential to be even stronger down the stretch.
As for Steeves, his time with the Leafs was short but valuable. The 24-year-old forward will continue to work on his game with the Marlies and may find himself back with the big club should injuries or performance issues arise.
For now, the Maple Leafs are looking to maintain their strong form with a healthier lineup, and the return of Liljegren and Robertson is a step in the right direction as the team gears up for the second half of the season.
