Maple Leafs recall Liljegren, Marincin on emergency basis

The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled defencemen Timothy Liljegren and Martin Marincin from the AHL after Tyson Barrie suffered an ankle injury over the weekend.

During Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers, Barrie blocked a shot in the first period that rattled off his ankle and did not return. In the corresponding transaction, Toronto has called up one of their top prospects and a recall regular.

The 20-year-old Liljegren has been highly regarded since the Leafs took him 17th overall at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Now in his third year in the AHL, he has reached a new level of production, scoring two goals and 13 points in 24 games.

Whether Liljegren makes his NHL debut is up to head coach Sheldon Keefe, but with the familiarity the two have after Keefe’s time with the defenceman during his reign as Toronto Marlies head coach, it appears to be likely.

As for the 27-year-old Marincin, the towering defenceman has been in between the two leagues all throughout this season, appearing in seven games for the Leafs and three games for the Marlies.

Due to Barrie’s injury, Toronto was able to recall players on an emergency basis — letting the Leafs maintain six defencemen without affecting waiver eligibility.

After their Western road trip, the Leafs are back at home on Tuesday to face the Buffalo Sabres.

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