The 2024-25 NHL season has been an encouraging one for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who currently lead the Atlantic Division with a 27-15-2 record (56 points) after 44 games. Although the team is on track to end its long Stanley Cup drought, there are still areas for improvement, especially with injuries mounting on defense. With veteran defensemen Jake McCabe (upper body) and Jani Hakanpaa (knee) both on injured reserve, general manager Brad Treliving may look to bolster the blue line. Reports suggest the Leafs may already be considering a familiar face to help—John Klingberg. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Klingberg is nearing a return to the NHL, and Toronto, along with Ottawa and Edmonton, is reportedly among the teams showing interest.
Leafs fans may recall Klingberg’s brief stint with Toronto during the 2023-24 season. After signing a one-year, $4.15 million deal, the former NHL All-Star played just 14 games before being sidelined with a hip injury for the remainder of the year. Now that Klingberg has reportedly overcome his hip issues, Dreger notes that a decision on his future could be made within the next two weeks, with up to seven teams potentially in the running. Toronto’s interest in Klingberg isn’t surprising, as they were his last team and he didn’t have the chance to finish his first season with the Leafs. “He’s disappointed like any player; you’re disappointed,” said Treliving regarding Klingberg’s injury setback in December 2023.
Klingberg, who was drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2010, has been one of the league’s top offensive defensemen for over a decade, recording 81 goals and 412 points in 633 regular-season games, along with 39 points in 63 playoff games. However, his time with the Leafs last season was less than stellar, as he managed just five assists and a minus-7 rating over 14 games. Given his hip surgery, it’s uncertain if Klingberg can still generate significant offense. The good news for the Leafs is that they have the luxury of easing him back into action. With defensemen like Philippe Myers and Chris Tanev playing well on the right side, head coach Craig Berube could limit Klingberg to more favorable matchups, which would reduce risk. A low-cost, “prove-it” contract could be a smart move if Klingberg can regain his former form.
As Klingberg works toward his NHL return, the Maple Leafs are gearing up for a showdown against the Dallas Stars—the team that drafted him. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
