It really depends on how many steps in his development liljegren takes in the off season

I'd like to see it tried. Give him 3rd pair minutes but play him with one of Mo or Muzz and I think it could work nicely!

I’m not sure. I’d have to say no. Just keep him on the 3rd pairing until an injury or if he looks really good.

This is the fundamental issue with our blue line this season - there are so many variables.

Will Holl be as good as he was last year when with Muzzin? Could he take another step forward?

Is Dermott going to take a stride forward and become a top 4 quality defenceman? He very well could, he very well could not

What will Sandin and Liljegren look like? Are either one of them going to be top 4 calibre very soon? Should they be on the 3rd pair? Would they be best served spending some more time with the Marlies?

Will Lehtonen translate extremely well to the NHL and be a top 4 guy? Will he be a third pair guy? Will he make the team?

Just so many variables. You want to be prepared and make the appropriate moves to bolster the blue line, but what if some of these guys take those forward strides? Really tricky situation, but I think we can all agree they at least need one stable shutdown RD. I hope they find a way to make Petro work there, but at least get a guy like Demelo

"Would you play liljegren w muzzin". Sure , why not. As a Leaf I would certainly would not make that Arizona trade. And it's completely impratical to go with a 20 (as you suggest)_ or a even a 21 man roster

Variables...that's exactly what the problem is....too many large contracts and the rest of cap is going to a bottom 6 forwards and 3 to 4 dmen who we sit here every year and say things like "hope and pray that they will adapt to nhl play or stay healthy or be ready"...too many bubble players cause all the money tied up in 4 guys...soon to be 5 when **** signs Pietrangelo