I can see Liljegren as being an offensive driver. Maybe not the number 1 (although that is certainly a possibility), but definitely in the number two hole that Gardiner is in right now. I think the thing to remember is that they are not letting Liljegren just run wild with his offense. They want to teach him a responsible defensive game and build up each part before letting him unleash everything. Just like they did with a bunch of forwards on the 4th line, and just like they did with Rielly his first few years in the NHL.
I think there is still some left to be desired in terms of his offensive ability, but that could be said about a lot of the offensive guys on the Marlies this year (especially when Liljegren was playing; it has been better recently).
I just don't see the offensive IQ
He makes a nice pass and has a decent shot but when it comes to decision making in the offensive zone and rushing with the puck (where he runs himself out of options) I think that's going to cap his offensive output
I also think we're trying to reign in his more flamboyant traits and trying to turn him into a more rounded, all situations type player
I could be wrong but that's how I see him