Maple Leafs Medical Staff Reject John Klingberg

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Dawson Mckenzie
October 6, 2023 (5:38 PM)

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Maple Leafs defenseman John Klingberg has been out with an injury for the majority of camp, and it appears he won't be playing on Saturday now either.

Leafs Medical Staff Overrule Klingberg in Decision to Play Saturday

John Klingberg suffered an upper-body injury that he sustained earlier in training camp during games against the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators. Klingberg appeared healthy today, taking part in full practice, however, medical staff have ruled him out from playing Saturday, despite his hopes to play.

Keefe said Klingberg (upper body) wants to play in Detroit tomorrow but the medical staff over rules it.

Klingberg Wants to Get Reps to Learn the System

Klingberg, a new addition to the Leafs defensive group and likely to bank a lot of minutes this season, had hoped to get some more reps with the team before the season started. Klingerg hopes that reps in practice will be enough to get on the same page with his teammates.

"The practices are huge. Huge for the team," Klingberg said. "A bunch of new guys here trying to learn the system and get a feel for each other out there on the ice."

The Team's medical staff have ultimately decided that it is best for Klingberg to sit this one out. His reps will have to come on opening night Wednesday.