Maple Leafs to loan Sandin, Liljegren to Sweden for world juniors

Sweden got some good news regarding its blue line for the upcoming World Junior Championship on Monday.

While discussing William Nylander's contract extension, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas noted that Toronto Marlies defenders Timothy Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin will be loaned to Sweden for the world juniors, according to Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun.

Liljegren and Sandin, the Maple Leafs' most recent first-round picks, are both playing for Toronto's AHL affiliate. 2017 draft selection Liljegren has eight points in 19 games this season, while Sandin's posted four goals and three assists as a rookie in 12 contests.

The 19-year-old Liljegren played for Sweden at last year's world juniors as the team captured silver, ultimately losing 3-1 in the final to Canada. It'll be Sandin's first taste of the tournament, which kicks off on Boxing Day in Vancouver.