Capitals Make Timothy Liljegren Decision Before NHL Offseason

Timothy T&period; Ludwig-Imagn Images

Capitals Make Timothy Liljegren Decision Before NHL Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael DeRosa | Last updated May 20, 2026 5:00 PM ET

Ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, the Washington Capitals acquired defenseman Timothy Liljegren from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. This was shortly after the Capitals shockingly traded star blueliner John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks.

Now, instead of being just a rental and testing the free-agent market this summer, Liljegren is staying put with the Capitals.

The Capitals have announced that they have signed Liljegren to a two-year, $6.5 million contract extension. Starting next season, Liljegren will have a $3.25 million AAV with the Metropolitan Division club.

Liljegren has landed himself a bit of a raise on his new deal with the Capitals. This is because he had a $3 million AAV on his contract that expired at the end of this season.

Buffalo Sabres left wing Jason Zucker (17) jumps after making a pass to avoid Washington Capitals defenseman Timothy Liljegren (27)Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Liljegren played in four games with the Capitals after being acquired, where he posted zero points, two penalty minutes, seven blocks, and an even plus/minus rating. This was after he recorded one goal, 11 points, and 83 blocks in 43 games with the Sharks this season before the trade.

Overall, there is very little risk in the Capitals signing Liljegren to this contract. They got the 27-year-old defenseman to stick around at a reasonable price, and it is a short-term deal, with it being just two years.

The Capitals will now be hoping that Liljegren can be a solid part of their blueline after signing him to this new extension. He should see time on their bottom pairing and power play next season due to his solid puck-moving ability.

In 311 career NHL games over seven seasons split between the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sharks, and Capitals, Liljegren has recorded 21 goals, 72 assists, 93 points, and a plus-6 rating.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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