Toronto Maple Leafs Make Surprising Roster Move

The Toronto Maple Leafs are starting to get back on track and a big reason has been the play of young defenseman Timothy Liljegren. So when the Maple Leafs sent Liljegren down to the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies, it was a head-scratcher for Leafs Nation.

While Liljegren went down, along with goaltender Michael Hutchinson, the Leafs recalled forwards Joey Anderson and Kirill Semyonov. Apparently the move was only a 'paper' transaction as the team wanted to award Semyonov and Anderson with NHL pay for a day on Monday. 

Instead of Semyonov making $80,000 in the minors, he'll make over 10 times the amount for his daily pay on Monday. Anderson just a touch less, but one hell of a move by the Maple Leafs who know they have deep pockets and want to reward the players the best they can.

As for Liljegren, he's moved Justin Holl to the seventh defenseman and has looked unreal with Rasmus Sandin, in a pairing that is essentially the future of the Maple Leafs top-four, along with Morgan Rielly who just signed for eight more seasons.

The Leafs have sent Timothy Liljegren to the Marlies and recalled Joey Anderson and Kirill Semyonov. Likely just a paper move to get Anderson and Semyonov a day of NHL pay with no game on Monday.

— Nick Richard (@_NickRichard) November 1, 2021

Liljegren is a former first-round pick who has battled untimely injuries and it's great to see him finally get his shot in the NHL with some meaningful minutes. And kudos to the Maple Leafs for doing whatever they can to make their players feel appreciated.

Photo credit:  John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports