Maple Leafs Rumors: 1 RFA Done in Toronto, Another Facing "Big Questions About His Future"

Though it might get lost sometimes, the Toronto Maple Leafs actually have more to worry about this offseason than just the future of Mitch Marner. There are a few key UFAs to deal with, and four key restricted free agents as well.

On the RFA front, the latest report, from Joshua Kloke in The Athletic, indicates that while Nick Robertson and Connor Dewar seem like near certainties to be back on short-term deals, the same can't necessarily be said for the two others, as follows:

Timothy Liljegren

The right-shot defenseman often finds himself in the Leafs Nation doghouse, as his progression on the blueline hasn't always been as linear and upwardly mobile as hoped. That was especially the case in this year's playoffs.

According to Kloke, Liljegren isn't a priority right now for the Toronto front office, and "It sounds like there hasn’t been much dialogue between the Leafs and Liljegren’s camp over his next contract.

While Liljegren has improved his defensive game, the speed with which he plays with and without the puck under pressure leads to the biggest questions about his future in Toronto.
It could take some time this offseason for Liljegren’s future to play out.

The former first-rounder (17th overall, 2017 Draft) saw his minutes take a big jump this season, to 19:40 per game, though he was only able to play in 55 contests. His blocked shots surged to 116, but his plus/minus rating dropped to its lowest in the past three seasons, to +3.

The possibility of Liljegren being used as a trade chip this offseason remains, though Kloke suggests that they could also take him to arbitration and kick the can of what his long-term future holds down the road.

Noah Gregor

The 25-year-old had a relatively unremarkable one season in the blue and white, though he did rack up 147 hits in 63 games in his limited minutes playing mostly on the 4th line. His role declined especially in the second half, and with the team waiting to make room for dynamic youngster Easton Cowan next season, it would appear than Gregor's days in Toronto are done.