Sharks acquire defenseman Timothy Liljegren in a trade with the Maple Leafs

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Timothy Liljegren from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

They sent fellow defenseman Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round pick and a sixth-rounder back in the trade finalized Wednesday.

Liljegren, a 25-year-old Swede, has appeared in one game so far this season. He is a veteran of 210 regular-season and playoff games in the NHL.

The Maple Leafs clear more than $1.5 million in salary cap space with the move that sets the table to activate free agent signing Jani Hakanpää off long-term injured reserve. Liljegren is making $3 million and Benning $1.25 million, with each player under contract through next season.

Toronto gets the earlier of the three third-round selections San Jose has. The Leafs added Hakanpää and Chris Tanev on their blue line looking to bulk up after another first-round playoff exit, and the 30-year-old Benning brings more size and physicality.

The rebuilding Sharks in Liljegren get a younger player with more offensive potential who might benefit from a change of scenery.

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The Associated Press