To nobody’s surprise, 2017 No. 17 overall pick Timothy Liljegren will represent Sweden at the World Juniors in Buffalo this year.

Liljegren has spent the 2017-18 with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL so that the Leafs can keep a close eye on their prized prospect’s development. In 12 games with the Marlies the 18-year-old defender has produced six points.

Barring injury or some other unforeseen circumstance, of course, this will be Liljegren’s first opportunity to play on the biggest stage in Junior hockey. Liljegren was on track to play for Sweden at last year’s tournament, but a case of mononucleosis kept him out of the tournament, derailed a good chunk of his season, and ultimately played a key role in him falling down to the mid-first round of the draft.

Sweden’s blueline will be fascinating to watch in Buffalo this year. Not only will they have an exciting prospect in Liljegren, but the team will also feature 2018 No. 1 overall prospect Rasmus Dahlin, who, according to Ray Ferarro, “defends like Lidström and skates like Karlsson.”