Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Timothy Liljegren is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on April 30, 1999, in Kristianstad, Sweden, Liljegren grew up in a close-knit family that played an important role in his journey to professional hockey.
Beyond his NHL career, Liljegren has maintained strong connections with his family, particularly his mother, Lena Liljegren, who raised him and his two older brothers, William and Anthony. His father is an American originally from New Jersey, although his name has not been reliably established through public reporting.
Regarding his romantic life, Liljegren has been publicly associated with Avery Horlock, who accompanied him on a vacation in February 2026. Recent reporting has also confirmed that he has a girlfriend, although the relationship has largely remained private.
Timothy Liljegren’s Girlfriend: Who Is He Dating?
Timothy Liljegren has been publicly linked to Avery Horlock, who appeared alongside him during a vacation in Mexico in February 2026.
According to an article published by San Jose Hockey Now, Liljegren and Avery spent part of the NHL’s Olympic break in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The pair enjoyed their vacation alongside San Jose Sharks forward Tyler Toffoli and his wife, Cat Toffoli.
During the trip, they participated in recreational activities, including an encounter with dolphins.
The report identified Avery by name but did not explicitly define her relationship with Liljegren.
Additional reporting from October 2026 established that Liljegren was attending public events with a girlfriend.
During the Washington Capitals’ annual Halloween party, Liljegren joined fellow Swedish defenseman Rasmus Sandin and their girlfriends for a group costume inspired by the Swedish pop group ABBA.
The Hockey News reported on the celebration on October 20, 2026, describing how the players and their partners participated in the themed event.
Although Avery Horlock has been publicly associated with Liljegren and the Halloween report confirms that he has a girlfriend, the available reporting does not explicitly identify Avery as the girlfriend who attended the party.
Consequently, Avery is a publicly reported companion and possible romantic partner, but the precise details of their relationship have not been independently confirmed.
Is Timothy Liljegren Married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Timothy Liljegren is married.
Recent hockey coverage has referred to him as having a girlfriend rather than a wife.
Although Liljegren has appeared at weddings involving other professional hockey players, no reliable report has documented his own wedding ceremony.
In July 2024, he attended the wedding of former Toronto Maple Leafs teammate Pierre Engvall and Matilda Von Sicard.
The event was also attended by several other NHL players, including Rasmus Sandin and Carl Dahlström.
Liljegren has generally maintained privacy regarding his personal relationships.
Does Timothy Liljegren Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that Timothy Liljegren has children.
The Washington Capitals defenseman has not made a verified public announcement about becoming a father.
Official NHL player biographies and recent interviews have not identified any sons or daughters.
Although Liljegren has occasionally appeared with his girlfriend at social gatherings, those appearances have not included any confirmed announcements about parenthood.
Therefore, his parental status should be described as having no publicly confirmed children rather than assuming that he does not have any.
Timothy Liljegren’s Parents: Meet His Mother Lena and His American Father
Timothy Liljegren grew up in Kristianstad, a city in southern Sweden, where his mother, Lena Liljegren, raised him and his two older brothers.
His father is originally from New Jersey in the United States, giving Timothy both Swedish and American citizenship.
According to Sportsnet and other hockey publications, Timothy’s parents separated during his early childhood, and his mother assumed primary responsibility for raising the children.
Despite the challenges of raising three sons, Lena supported Timothy’s hockey ambitions and eventually relocated to help him pursue higher-level competition.
Timothy Liljegren’s Father
Timothy Liljegren’s father is an American originally from New Jersey.
Although his nationality and geographic background are documented, his full name has not been reliably confirmed in major hockey publications.
In a May 2017 interview with The Hockey Writers, Liljegren discussed his American citizenship and explained that his father’s side of the family lived in New Jersey.
The connection gave him eligibility for American citizenship despite being born and raised in Sweden.
However, Timothy chose to represent Sweden in international ice hockey competitions.
His father was not the primary parent responsible for raising Timothy and his brothers.
Published biographies indicate that his father left the family during Timothy’s early childhood, leaving Lena to raise the three boys.
Because Liljegren has rarely discussed his father in interviews, there is limited verified information about his father’s occupation, personal background, or current relationship with his son.
His father’s American background nevertheless remains an important aspect of Timothy’s family history.
Timothy Liljegren’s Mother: Lena Liljegren
Lena Liljegren is Timothy Liljegren’s mother and one of the most influential people in his professional hockey career.
She raised Timothy and his two older brothers as a single mother in Kristianstad, Sweden.
Lena recognized her youngest son’s hockey talent at an early age and made significant sacrifices to support his development.
When Timothy was approximately 14 years old, she made the difficult decision to relocate from Kristianstad to Ängelholm.
The move allowed him to join Rögle BK, a hockey organization known for developing talented young Swedish players.
In a July 2017 interview with Sportsnet, Liljegren described how important his mother’s sacrifices had been.
He explained that Lena had moved to help him pursue professional hockey and worked to ensure that he had everything necessary to continue developing.
At the time, Timothy had recently been selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft.
He acknowledged that reaching the NHL would have been much more difficult without his mother’s commitment.
Why Lena Liljegren Moved Her Family for Hockey
Growing up in Kristianstad, Timothy began skating at approximately four years old.
By the age of 10, he had decided that he wanted to become a defenseman.
As his talent developed, opportunities within his local hockey program became increasingly limited.
Rögle BK, based in Ängelholm, offered a more competitive environment where he could improve his skills and pursue professional opportunities.
However, joining the club required the family to make significant lifestyle changes.
Lena decided to support Timothy’s ambitions by relocating, even though the move created financial and practical challenges.
The journey from Kristianstad to Ängelholm was approximately 90 minutes by car.
In a January 2018 interview with Swedish publication HockeyNews, Liljegren explained that his mother sometimes worked in Ängelholm while he trained with Rögle.
When Lena was unable to stay with him, Timothy occasionally spent nights with the Elvenes family, who had longstanding connections to Rögle BK.
The arrangement helped him continue his hockey development while maintaining a connection with his mother and brothers.
Lena Liljegren’s Reaction to Her Son’s NHL Success
On June 23, 2017, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Timothy Liljegren with the 17th overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft.
The selection was an emotional moment for Lena, whose years of sacrifice had helped her youngest son achieve an important milestone.
In July 2017, Timothy explained that his mother remained extremely happy about the achievement.
He also spoke about communicating with her through video calls while he participated in hockey activities in North America.
On May 19, 2023, Sveriges Radio published an interview with Lena following Timothy’s appearance for Sweden at the IIHF World Championship.
Lena expressed pride in her son’s progress and discussed how she had recognized his hockey talent when he was young.
She explained that she had done everything possible to give him an opportunity to succeed.
Her dedication remains one of the most frequently documented aspects of Liljegren’s personal life.
Timothy Liljegren’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Timothy Liljegren has two older brothers, William Liljegren and Anthony Liljegren.
The brothers grew up together in Kristianstad, Sweden, under the care of their mother Lena.
Sportsnet confirmed in July 2017 that Timothy was the youngest of three brothers, while published biographical profiles identify his older siblings as William and Anthony.
William Liljegren – Timothy Liljegren’s Older Brother
William Liljegren is one of Timothy Liljegren’s two older brothers.
William grew up alongside Timothy and Anthony in Kristianstad.
The family shared a childhood in southern Sweden before Lena made significant changes to support Timothy’s hockey development.
Although William’s relationship to Timothy is identified in published biographical material, little reliable information is available about his age, occupation, education, or personal relationships.
There is also insufficient verified information to establish whether William pursued competitive ice hockey.
Unlike his younger brother, who became an NHL player, William has largely maintained a private public profile.
Anthony Liljegren – Timothy Liljegren’s Older Brother
Anthony Liljegren is Timothy Liljegren’s other older brother.
Like William, Anthony grew up in Kristianstad with his brothers and their mother.
He was part of the family environment in which Timothy developed his childhood interest in ice hockey.
Although Anthony is identified in published accounts of the Liljegren family, additional details about his professional activities and personal life remain limited.
No reliable source establishes that Anthony followed Timothy into professional hockey.
Most sports reporting about the Liljegren family focuses on Lena’s efforts to support Timothy and the family’s move to Ängelholm.
Does Timothy Liljegren Have a Sister?
There are no publicly confirmed reports identifying a sister of Timothy Liljegren.
Published family biographies consistently describe him as the youngest of three sons.
His two publicly identified siblings are William and Anthony.
These accounts do not establish any additional sisters.
Timothy Liljegren’s Childhood and Family Background
Timothy Winston Liljegren was born on April 30, 1999, in Kristianstad, Sweden.
He grew up with his mother and two older brothers in a household where pursuing sporting ambitions required considerable commitment.
Timothy began skating when he was approximately four years old.
He developed his skills through Kristianstads IK before joining the Rögle BK hockey organization.
His family’s decision to support the move to Ängelholm became one of the most important turning points in his career.
At Rögle, Liljegren progressed through the junior development system and became known for his skating speed, puck-handling skills, and offensive abilities as a defenseman.
On December 3, 2015, he made his Swedish Hockey League debut at just 16 years old.
His performances attracted considerable attention from NHL scouts, who viewed him as one of Sweden’s most promising young defensemen.
However, his development encountered a setback during the 2016-17 season when he contracted mononucleosis.
The illness kept him away from competitive hockey for approximately two months.
Despite the interruption, Liljegren recovered and continued pursuing his NHL ambitions.
How Timothy Liljegren’s Family Influenced His Hockey Career
Timothy Liljegren’s rise to the NHL is closely connected to his mother’s sacrifices.
As a single parent, Lena managed the responsibilities of raising three sons while helping Timothy develop his hockey abilities.
Her decision to move the family toward Ängelholm provided access to a stronger hockey development program.
During a 2017 interview with Sportsnet, Liljegren acknowledged that his mother’s support was essential to his success.
Even after moving to North America, Timothy continued maintaining contact with his family in Sweden.
In November 2017, he discussed adjusting to life in Toronto while playing for the Toronto Marlies.
He explained that he enjoyed communicating with friends back home and preparing his own meals after moving into an apartment.
His experiences living independently during adolescence had helped prepare him for the challenges of professional hockey overseas.
The family support he received throughout childhood helped him establish the independence needed to build an NHL career.
Timothy Liljegren’s Professional Hockey Career
On June 23, 2017, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Timothy Liljegren in the first round, 17th overall, of the NHL Entry Draft.
He subsequently signed a three-year entry-level contract with Toronto and joined the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League.
During the 2017-18 season, Liljegren helped the Marlies win the Calder Cup championship.
The achievement marked his first major professional championship in North America.
He made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 18, 2020, against the Chicago Blackhawks.
He later scored his first NHL goal on January 15, 2022, against the St. Louis Blues.
Liljegren gradually established himself as a regular member of Toronto’s defensive lineup.
On October 30, 2024, the Maple Leafs traded him to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Matt Benning and draft picks.
The move provided him with an opportunity to take on additional responsibilities as a professional defenseman.
Timothy Liljegren’s Move to the Washington Capitals
On March 6, 2026, the Washington Capitals acquired Liljegren from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
The trade marked another important chapter in his professional hockey career.
He appeared in four games with Washington during the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
On May 20, 2026, the Capitals announced that Liljegren had signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract extension.
The agreement carried an average annual value of $3.25 million and secured his place in the organization through the 2027-28 season.
Washington included Liljegren on its opening-night roster for the 2026-27 season.
His continued NHL career represents the fulfillment of a childhood dream that began in Kristianstad and was supported by his mother and brothers.
Timothy Liljegren’s Swedish and American Heritage
Timothy Liljegren has connections to both Sweden and the United States.
He was born and raised in Kristianstad, Sweden, and developed his hockey career through Swedish youth programs.
However, his father is American and originally from New Jersey.
Because of his father’s nationality, Timothy also holds American citizenship.
Despite this dual citizenship, he chose to represent Sweden in international hockey competitions.
He played for Sweden at the 2016 and 2017 IIHF World Under-18 Championships and the 2018 World Junior Championship.
In 2018, he helped Sweden earn a silver medal at the World Junior Championship.
He later represented the Swedish senior national team at the 2023 IIHF World Championship.
His international career reflects his strong personal connection to the country where he grew up and developed his hockey skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Timothy Liljegren’s Family
Who is Timothy Liljegren’s girlfriend?
Timothy Liljegren has been publicly associated with Avery Horlock, who accompanied him on a vacation in February 2026. The Hockey News also confirmed that Liljegren attended an October 2026 party with his girlfriend, although the publication did not identify her by name.
Is Timothy Liljegren married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Timothy Liljegren is married.
Does Timothy Liljegren have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for Timothy Liljegren.
Who are Timothy Liljegren’s parents?
Timothy Liljegren’s mother is Lena Liljegren. His father is an American originally from New Jersey, although his full name has not been reliably confirmed in public reporting.
Who is Timothy Liljegren’s father?
His father is an American from New Jersey. Timothy holds American citizenship through his father’s side of the family.
Who is Timothy Liljegren’s mother?
His mother is Lena Liljegren, who raised Timothy and his two older brothers. She made significant sacrifices to support his hockey career, including relocating to Ängelholm when he was approximately 14 years old.
Does Timothy Liljegren have siblings?
Yes. Timothy Liljegren has two older brothers named William and Anthony Liljegren.
Who is Timothy Liljegren’s oldest brother?
Timothy has two older brothers, William and Anthony. Available sources do not clearly establish which brother is the eldest.
Does Timothy Liljegren have a sister?
There are no publicly confirmed reports identifying a sister. Published biographies describe him as the youngest of three brothers.
Is Timothy Liljegren American?
Timothy Liljegren is Swedish-born and holds American citizenship through his father, who is originally from New Jersey.
Where did Timothy Liljegren grow up?
He grew up in Kristianstad, Sweden, before moving to Ängelholm to continue his development with Rögle BK.
Why did Timothy Liljegren’s family move to Ängelholm?
His mother relocated to help him join Rögle BK, where he could receive more advanced hockey training and pursue professional opportunities.
Which NHL team does Timothy Liljegren play for?
Timothy Liljegren plays for the Washington Capitals. He joined the team in March 2026 after being traded from the San Jose Sharks.
A dedicated ice hockey journalist, Janet Asprin delivers sharp, detailed coverage of the NHL season. From evaluating trade deadline moves and line combinations to analyzing power plays and postseason standings, Janet brings a fresh, structured perspective to every game. She focuses on translating high-speed rink strategy into compelling stories and actionable insights for hockey fans.
