Journeymen Defenseman John Klingberg Eyeing NHL Return

John Klingberg skating for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

John Klingberg struggled with health in the last couple of NHL seasons, only skating in 17 games last season. After having season-ending hip surgery with the Maple Leafs last season, Klingberg has spent time in Toronto training this season. Now that Klingberg is getting close to returning, he has been talking with NHL Clubs about a potential contract.

NHL Insider Darren Dreger mentioned the Maple Leafs, Senators, and Oilers as serious contenders. Then has the Vancouver Canucks as a less interested landing spot for Klingberg.

While John Klingberg was on a one-year $4.5m AAV contract with the Maple Leafs last season, it’s highly expected his contract to finish this season would be closer to $1m AAV. While not needing assets to acquire Klingberg and the low AAV needed to sign him for a playoff run,

Klingberg was drafted in 2010 by the Dallas Stars at #131 overall. In 633 career games, Klingberg has registered 81 goals and 412 points in stints with the Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

ITR 31: Let Them Fight Inside The Rink

Join Conrad and Chris to discuss WHL expansion, Thatcher Demko returning from IR, Gabe Viladri out week-to-week, Gabriel Landeskog a full practice participant, and the NHL referees stopping a goalie fight. Join in on all this and MUCH more!
  1. ITR 31: Let Them Fight
  2. ITR 30: Down The Stretch
  3. ITR 29: Trade Deadline Review
  4. ITR 28: Deadline Week
  5. ITR 27: Trade Season Begins

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Connor Green

Managing Editor | Inside the Rink

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