Washington Capitals Acquire Right-Shot Defenceman from Sharks

Liljegren Provides Depth After Earlier Trade

The Washington Capitals early on deadline day sent the greatest defenceman in franchise history, John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks for a couple of draft picks. Moreover, Liljegren provides some depth in the top-four pairings, averaging a career high in ice-time this season. With the Sharks, he was playing just over 20 minutes per game. Liljegren has 11 points in 43 games this season, and is seen as a stay-at-home defender for the Sharks. In 307 career games split between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the San Jose Sharks, he has put up 93 points on the blueline.

Return Unknown Still

The Washington Capitals currently sit at 69 points in the Metropolitan Division, their next game is March 7th against the Boston Bruins. The Capitals are sitting four points outside of the Stanley Cup Playoff picture. On the other side the San Jose Sharks are three points back of the second Wild Card spot with two games in hand over the Seattle Kraken. The Capitals are 31-25-7. While the Sharks are 30-25-4.

The Sharks are heading towards being perennial playoff contenders with Macklin Celebrini leading the charge. Alongside Will Smith and Yaroslav Askarov, the Sharks are looking to contend for the next decade plus.

The Washington Capitals are preparing for life after Alex Ovechkin calls an end to his NHL career, which is coming for the 40-year-old future first ballot hall of famer. This type of deal is a sign of that, as Liljegren can provide support for the next number of years, if it works out.

More details to come when they become available.