The San Jose Sharks traded for a puck-moving defenseman.

The Sharks acquired Timothy Liljegren from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. Toronto will face the San Jose’s two third-round selections, the Edmonton Oilers or Colorado Avalanche currently owns.

Liljegren, 25, was a first-round pick in 2017 and has developed into a skilled puck player. The 6-foot-3 right-hander posted the highest points total of his career in just 55 games last year, averaging 19:40 a night for the playoff-bound Leafs.

However, Liljegren was unable to break into Toronto’s lineup this year and only played one game. Otherwise, he was a healthy scratch for new head coach Craig Berube.

Liljegren, who is in the first year of a two-year extension ($3 million AAV) signed over the summer, appears to need a change of scenery.

He should be able to do that in San Jose, where there has been a need for an additional NHL-caliber puck mover all season.

Matt Benning, 30, is in the third season of a four-year contract ($1.25 million AAV) signed in the summer of 2022.

When healthy, he’s a solid two-way defender who can make the final pairing, but this year he’s had an inconsistent comeback after major hip surgery. Benning is also a popular and popular presence in the locker room.

At best, Benning should be able to help the Leafs in their playoffs, and at worst, Toronto gets some relief. Benning’s AAV can be buried almost entirely in the AHL.