John Klingberg signing in Toronto
John Klingberg is in for a change of scenery. The defenseman is signing a one-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $4.15.
Klinberg is trading the sunshine of Anaheim for some colder weather north of the border. The former Stars defenseman should be a great table setter on the powerplay with their assortment of forwards.
David Pagnotta tweeted out the terms.
Leafs confirm they've signed D John Klingberg to a one-year contract worth $4.15 million.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 1, 2023
Despite his defensive shortcomings, the Swede should have a role in “The 6.” He put up 10 goals and 23 assists for 33 points in 67 games this season between the Ducks and Minnesota Wild. The season before was an impressive 47 points and 74 games. He remains a great passer and could do very well in sheltered third-pair minutes for Sheldon Keefe.
Remember, this was a guy who once put up 59 assists and 67 points in a season. He’s received Norris consideration in the past and, while nowhere near that level, is still productive in the NHL.
Busy Brad
Brad Treliving continues to have his work cut out for him. Klingberg replaces the departed Luke Schenn but some forward depth would help. Michael Bunting departed for Carolina and Ryan O’Reilly landed with the Nashville Predators. Extension talks with Auston Matthews are well underway, too. Losing him in free agency would be nothing short of catastrophic.
The Leafs only have $443,000 in cap space but that does not include the likely LTIR move of Jake Muzzin. That would give them roughly $6 million to add some more forwards and potentially address their goaltending situation. If they can move Matt Murray’s $4.67 million out, more moves would absolutely be on the horizon.
The Maple Leafs at least crossed one item off of their free agency to-do list. Adding John Klingberg as an offensive facilitator was not the worst thing they could have done.
