Maple Leafs 1st-rounder Liljegren loaned to Sweden for world juniors

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Timothy Liljegren has been loaned to Sweden for the World Junior Championship, the Toronto Marlies announced Saturday.

Liljegren was plucked by the Maple Leafs with the 17th overall pick in last June's draft and is enjoying a respectable first season in North America, tallying nine points in 17 games with the Leafs' AHL affiliate.

The 18-year-old will make his world juniors debut, but is no stranger to representing his native Sweden, having suited up at the under-18, under-17, and under-16 tournaments over the last three years.