Toronto Maple Leafs Exploring Reunion with Former Defenseman, per Elliotte Friedman
The Toronto Maple Leafs could bring back an old face as they try to shore up their defensive depth at a cheap cost according to Elliotte Friedman.
As the days tick away towards not only the trade deadline but also the playoffs, teams are starting to get the ball rolling when it comes to making sure they have the best pieces possible going forward.
But if Brad Treliving wanted to add to his defensive depth without sacrificing any assets, he could look to a former defenseman to fill those gaps who has gotten himself healthier than he was the first time around.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the Maple Leafs may be in line to bring back John Klingberg into the fold as he's gotten a lot healthier and looks to make a late season comeback.
It's an interesting piece of information that could lead Toronto to making more moves based on if they bring him back.
What It Means To Bring John Klingberg Back
It not only brings a familiar face back to the Maple Leafs but it could be a huge difference maker in both the regular season and the playoffs.
Klingberg at one point was one of the NHL's best offensive defensemen. Exploding on to the scene in 2014-15, he kicked off his rookie year with 11 goals and 29 assists.
Getting even better, he had an astounding 67 points in 2017-18 and showcased brilliant hockey IQ, playmaking and was a powerplay monster. But since then he's struggled heavily with injuries.
After undergoing hip resurfacing surgery in the fall of 2023, Klingberg has been on the road to recovery ever since and if he's healthy enough to contribute, would make Toronto that much more dangerous.
If the Leafs brought back Klingberg he could slide in alongside a much more mature and defensively sound Simon Benoit, or could find himself alongside fellow former offensive dynamo Oliver Ekman-Larsson and have chemistry there.
His first time in Toronto didn't go so well, only playing 14 games before being injured however he did have five assists in that time, showing that he still had the ability to contribute had he not gotten hurt.
It would be a cheap option as well, as Klingberg would most likely sign for the league minimum or slightly above in order to give teams a chance to safely scout his ability.
For Brad Treliving, a reunion with John Klingberg may be the difference between a first round loss or a Finals appearance.
