SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Timothy Liljegren from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

They sent back fellow defenseman Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the trade finalized Wednesday.

Liljegren, a 25-year-old Swede, has only played one game this season. He has 210 regular season and playoff games in the NHL.

The Maple Leafs clear more than $1.5 million in salary cap space with the move that sets the table to activate free agent signing Jani Hakanpää off long-term injured reserve. Liljegren makes $3 million and Benning makes $1.25 million, with each player under contract through next season.

Toronto gets the first of three third-round selections from San Jose. The Leafs added Hakanpää and Chris Tanev to their blue line looking to strengthen after another first-round playoff exit, and Benning, 30, brings more size and physicality.

The rebuilding Sharks in Liljegren are signing a younger player with more offensive potential who could benefit from a change of scenery.

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