ICYMI: Leafs demote top prospect Liljegren to ECHL

Toronto Maple Leafs 2017 first round draft pick Timothy Liljegren has been demoted from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies to the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers. The 19 year old is officially on a conditioning stint, following an ankle injury that cost him the opportunity to play in the 2019 World Junior Championships.

News: Defenceman Timothy Liljegren has been loaned to @NLGrowlers on a conditioning stint following his return from an injury sustained on December 1. He will play tonight against Maine and will be returned to Toronto (AHL) on Thursday. #MarliesLive pic.twitter.com/nDd4z6yk6U
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) January 16, 2019

Liljegren played for the Growlers last night and is expected to be returned to the Marlies later today.

According to the Leafs’ blog Pension Plan Puppets though, Liljegren was seen “limping back to the bench” in the third period and did not return to action.

Timothy Liljegren was reported on the Growlers online audio broadcast to be "limping back to the bench" early in the third period. He did not return to the ice.

Michael Garteig with the shutout for the Growlers.
— Pension Plan Puppets (@PPPLeafs) January 17, 2019