What is that Liljegren trade, Timothy Liljegren you're trading him for a guy worth a 3rd rounder

Why would Tampa trade a top four 23 year old RHD that plays a physical game for a prospect? I have read several articles and there is a question if Tim will be more than a third pairing?

Fans spouting bull**** on this site is not "several articles". Liljegren has improved every season and is 21. This garbage that he is a bust is so entirely laughable. Who was Cernak before this season? I had never even heard of him and now he's worth a boat load of assets. I would just keep Liljegren, his ceiling is high, he's progressing and is exactly the type of player TO needs. He's 6'1" has more physicality that most expected and is smooth as silk skating. He, as is the case for almost all 21 year old defenceman, is still learning and developing. I love how on this site, all young players in TO need to win the cup last year or they are overrated and terrible. What a joke.

Do not need to get salty... Since so many leafs fans want the trade I had to look him up. Here is one article. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-see-timothy-liljegren-playing-2020-21/

You did not answer the question, Why would Tampa trade a young proven RHD for a prospect that is still in the minors? Cernak came up during the 2018-2019 and never was sent back. He is our shutdown defense w McDonagh, a pretty good d man in himself. Second question why are so many fans trading Tim for Cernack? I agree defense takes longer to mature, Cernack is some what of the exception. I did not say he was bad just that he has not proven and some question his upside potential. I have never seen him play so I have no opinion.

Why would Tampa trade a top four 23 year old RHD that plays a physical game for a prospect? I have read several articles and there is a question if Tim will be more than a third pairing?

Did Tampa not make a similar trade when they got rid of drouin? They are in cap trouble so it would make sense for them to trade away guys who they can't sign for guys who are almost NHL ready and are still on their ELC's. You would think that's common sense is it not?

It is a fair question. Different circumstances. Drouin was very strong offensively but lacked defensive skills. He also was an issue in the locker room. To play for Tampa you must play two ways. Tampa also had plenty of forward talent and little backend talent. Habs wanted him for several reasons including the French connection. Tampa is still in a win now mentality. Cernak is the only rhd that we have any control contract wise going into next year. His contract will be about 2.5 mill by all guesses. Tampa can not afford to let a cost control top four rhd go.

And for the return, that's purely your opinion. Clearly this tread has mixed emotions on which team wins the trade. GM's value players differently from eachother. You can't take away the fact that this trade is something that suits both teams more than anything