Capitals Add Timothy Liljegren in Deadline Deal with Sharks

Per NHL insider Chris Johnston, the Washington Capitals are acquiring Timothy Liljegren.

Including Liljegren, the San Jose Sharks had six players on the NHL roster set to become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season — Vincent Desharnais, Mario Ferraro, John Klingberg, Alex Nedeljkovic, Ryan Reaves. Liljegren has been in and out of the San Jose Sharks’ lineup this season due to a mix of injuries and healthy scratches. When he does see the ice, he has been the first and second pairing alongside Dmitry Orlov and Mario Ferraro. This transaction surrounding the blueliner comes just ahead of the NHL trade deadline, slated for 3:00 p.m. EST on March 6.

Liljegren was averaging 20:08 — which was fourth among Sharks defensemen.

San Jose originally acquired Liljegren from the Toronto Maple Leafs last year. The 6-foot-1, right-shot defenseman is on the final year of a two-season, $6 million contract that carries a cap hit of $3 million.

Washington Capitals Land Timothy Liljegren

The Capitals are currently sitting with 69 points in the Metropolitan Division and have a 31-25-7 overall record. Washington next sees action on March 7 against the Boston Bruins; puck-drop is alted for 12:30 p.m. EST.