Today, in a surprising move, the Toronto Marlies announced that 2017 first round pick Timothy Liljegren will be sent down to the ECHL Newfoundland Growlers for a conditioning stint. Being sent down to the ECHL is never good news, but this move isn’t what you’d think it is. Liljegren was injured on December 1st and is still working out and recovering. The injury has been described as ‘week-to-week’ for a few weeks now.

Timothy Liljegren out “week-to-week”; will he make it to his second WJC?

Liljegren had a half a point per game pace going before his injury, playing in 19 games, with two goals and six assists. The Toronto Marlies could use him on the back end again, and hopefully he’ll be alright to play in the Marlies games this weekend in Charlotte against the Checkers.  If he doesn’t perform to expectations, coaching staff could decide he needs to sit out the games and focus on a return against the Belleville Senators at the end of the month instead.

If you want to watch Liljegren play for the Growlers, you can buy the game on ECHL TV pay-per-view.

Update with more good Marlies news, it looks like Andreas Borgman could also return soon:

Toronto MarliesNewfoundland Growlers