the leafs finally have 3 left d and 3 right d

I just don't see Liljegren being NHL ready in October. Dermot because he on ELC cap saving is minimal because his replacement makes almost similar money. Even Hyman and is 2.25m doesn't save that much for half a season .
Spezza seems destined for RW, with or without Marner on the team. Agree with you, Petan, Aberg and Schmaltz are iffy NHLers.

I agree it's likely that they wait til January or February for Liljegren, but i'd really like to see what's there. Sink or swim in some sheltered third pair minutes. Let's see what we've got!

I've read if Liljegren plays inn the NHL 42 games or more this season, he would have to protected in expansion draft. So as you suggest later in the season is a better probability. Somehow the Leafs have get some of those cheap bottom end Dman to be NHL competent this season.

He'll have to be protected whatsoever, he's played 2 season in the AHL already, which already classifies as professional league.

His first year in the AHL doesn't count as professional season. He was of junior age, had signed in the SHL and was "loaned" to the Marlies. Now whether last year, this season, and next year....three AHL seasons make him protection needed or not, I'm not sure.

That's 16/17. He played 17/18 and 18/19 in the AHL, I'm pretty sure he'll be elegible to be drafted by Seattle unless protected.