Timothy Liljegren may reportedly be sticking around in Washington, DC.
According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, the Washington Capitals and Liljegren have mutual interest in coming to terms on a contract extension. The Capitals acquired Liljegren from the San Jose Sharks at the trade deadline in March for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick.
“I’m told that [the Capitals] will have a conversation with Timothy Liljegren about a new contract,” Pagnotta said on the latest episode of Daily Faceoff’s DFO Rundown. “He’s a pending unrestricted free agent. They’re going to have a conversation in the not-too-distant future about signing him to an extension. There’s mutual interest in making it happen. We’ll see what that looks like if they can get it to the finish line.”
Liljegren played in just four games for the Capitals after arriving from San Jose, averaging 16:54 of ice time per game. In 47 total games split between the Caps and Sharks, Liljegren recorded 11 points (1g, 10a).
If the Capitals do sign Liljegren to a new deal, he would be the team’s third non-prospect right-shot rearguard under contract for next season, joining Matt Roy and Dylan McIlrath.
Adding Liljegren back to the defense corps may also have even more importance than previously thought, as the Caps still need to determine the extent of Rasmus Sandin’s knee injury. Sandin was playing a right-sided role on the club’s top pairing at the end of the regular season.
Head coach Spencer Carbery already has a level of familiarity with Liljegren, as he was an assistant coach in Toronto for two of Liljegren’s seasons with the Leafs. Liljegren’s most productive offensive seasons came with the Maple Leafs, when he notched 23 points in both the 2021-22 and 2023-24 campaigns.
According to AFPAnalytics, a Liljegren extension is expected to cost approximately $3.3 million for three years. Liljegren’s cap hit this past season was $3 million.
The Capitals have exclusive negotiating rights with the Swedish blueliner until July 1.
