Last night was the first round of the NHL Draft, and the Toronto Maple Leafs came out of it with an extremely shiny defensive prospect, Timothy Liljegren, and a renewed appreciation for the powers of mononucleosis.

What a nice, practical young man. He’s already prepared to make sacrifices for the team that drafted him.

Look how enthused he is about Toronto!

And he’s already making friends on the Leafs. Welcome, Timothy! We’re glad to have you.

If you’re interested in catching up on the rest of the picks in the draft, here’s a link to SB Nation’s NHL Draft Tracker, where you can catch up on what non-Toronto teams were up to last night. Today, the real work begins, with rounds two through seven all crammed in today. You can take a look at the complete draft order here. Now that we’re out of the first round, does anyone have any prospects in mind for the Leafs’ next picks?

More on Liljegren

2017 NHL Draft prospect profile: Timothy Liljegren dealt with health issues, but still has a lot to offer - Eyes On The Prize
Our friends over at EOTP had a chance to talk to Liljegren’s SHL coach Anders Eldebrink earlier in the year. He offers some key insights into Liljegren’s play and development.

He’s great with the puck, really creative. He can make good passes, but  sometimes he plays too difficult. But that’s a learning process.

Sounds like a few players we know already. The whole piece is definitely worth checking out.

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect profile: The 411 on first-round pick Timothy Liljegren - Pension Plan Puppets
Our own Kevin Papetti takes an in-depth look at Liljegren’s play and includes plenty of video evidence to drool over.

"Jag accepterade att säsongen inte skulle bli vad jag hade tänkt mig" - Hockeysverige
This is the Swedish article EOTP references. Liljegren in his own words earlier this year - he seems to be pretty self-aware. I'm looking forward to seeing what Babcock can do with him, whether it's this year or a couple of years down the road.

Timothy Liljegren selected 17th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs | Maple Leafs Hotstove
With the 17th overall draft selection in the 2017 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs have selected right-shot defenceman Timothy Liljegren.

ICYMI

Report: Maple Leafs “In Hard” on Travis Hamonic - Pension Plan Puppets
Who’s ready for an exciting day at the NHL draft?

Leafs select Timothy Liljegren with 17th overall pick - Pension Plan Puppets
A skilled Swedish defenseman. I can get on board with that.

LeBrun: Don’t expect a D from NC - Pension Plan Puppets
The Canes are perpetually rumoured to be shopping a defensemen. But it looks like they might stand pat.

Yesterday’s Trades and/or Signings

Blue Jackets acquire Artemi Panarin: Report - The Cannon
Didn’t see that one coming.

Arizona Coyotes acquire Niklas Hjalmarsson from Chicago Blackhawks - Five For Howling
This could just be the start of it...

Arizona Coyotes Acquire Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta from New York Rangers - Five For Howling
John Chayka isn’t messing around now.

Capitals re-sign T.J. Oshie to eight-year, $46-million contract - Sportsnet.ca
General manager Brian MacLellan announced the deal Friday just before the start of the NHL draft. Oshie was set to be an unrestricted free agent.

Penguins trade for Ryan Reaves in draft day deal with Blues - SBNation.com
Pittsburgh traded down in order to acquire Reaves.

Draft Stuff

The ‘Swiss McDavid’: Devils select Nico Hischier with first pick at NHL draft - The Globe and Mail
Hischier rose to the top spot with an emphatic first season in the QMJHL, piling up 38 goals and 86 points in 57 games for the Halifax Mooseheads

NHL draft grades 2017: Devils stay safe, Stars get bold and both get high marks - SBNation.com
We graded the first round of the NHL draft as it happened.

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