The Worst Is Confirmed For Newly Acquire Maple Leaf

The trial of incorporating John Klingberg into the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup has undeniably resulted in disappointment, a mere 14 games into the season. The 31-year-old defenseman, acquired as a free agent during the off-season, signed a one-year, $4.15 million deal on the opening day of free agency. Despite registering five assists in the initial 14 games, Klingberg's defensive performance has been lackluster, reflected in his troubling -7 +/- stat line, branding him one of the league's least effective defensemen by various metrics.

Amid these struggles, the Maple Leafs decided to place Klingberg on long-term injury reserve (LTIR), a move that garnered mixed reactions from fans. While some Leafs supporters welcomed the relief from Klingberg's cap hit, others outside the fan base speculated about the legitimacy of his injury, drawing parallels to past situations where teams strategically utilized LTIR.


Head coach Sheldon Keefe's statement on Klingberg has fueled speculation that the defenseman's time with the Leafs may be concluding. The team's tendency to resolve major cap challenges through LTIR assignments has raised eyebrows, with questions about the league's scrutiny of such maneuvers.



Earlier trade rumors involving Klingberg heading to the Calgary Flames have added intrigue to the situation. Reports suggest a potential trade involving players like Nikita Zadorov or Chris Tanev returning to Toronto, possibly requiring additional picks or prospects to accompany Klingberg's $4.15 million cap hit.


Complicating matters, it was revealed that the Leafs initially targeted veteran defenseman Matt Dumba over Klingberg on July 1st. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman disclosed that Dumba was the preferred choice, but contract negotiations proved challenging, leading the Leafs to opt for Klingberg, who ultimately fell short of expectations. The revelation adds a layer of regret, depicting Dumba as the one that got away, leaving fans pondering what might have been.