Insider shares the latest news on Leafs defenseman John Klingberg, who was placed on LTIR this week
Arguably the biggest story in Toronto right now is what is going on with injured defenseman John Klingberg, who was placed on LTIR this week with an undisclosed injury, which is believed to be a serious, chronic hip injury.
Klingberg had signed a 1-year, $4.15M deal with the Leafs this summer and, at the time, it was believed that he was healthy and the Leafs' brass viewed him as a piece that could really help the team to generate some offense from the blueline. What has occurred instead, however, is that Klingberg has been unable to move like he would like to and had become even more of a defensive liability than anyone had initially expected.
When it came to light that Klingberg had been dealing with an injury that has hampered him throughout his career, it wasn't long before the Leafs began an aggressive form of treatment to try to get him back into playing shape. When their efforts had failed, the only option was to place him on LTIR while the next steps are determined.
On Saturday night, during Hockey Night in Canada on Sportsnet, Elliotte Friedman provided an update on the Klingberg situation during his Saturday Headlines segment. Per Friedman, answers are coming in Toronto.
"We know he's got to be out for 10 games and 24 days, but the question was whether or not he'd be able to return this year. I think we're going to have a better idea [this] week. Klingberg is evaluating his options, whether they'd be rehab or surgery, but I think sometime next week, we're going to have a clearer picture of what his timeline might be." - Friedman on Klingberg
If rehab is the option he takes, you have to wonder what his level of effectiveness will be moving forward. There's no guarantee that he'll be able to play at a high level for the duration of the season, which would almost certainly be a detriment to the Leafs' blueline. If he opts for surgery, you'd have to think that his season is likely over. Unfortunately, we won't know anything until later this week.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
NOVEMBRE 26 | 292 ANSWERS Insider shares the latest news on Leafs defenseman John Klingberg, who was placed on LTIR this week Will Klingberg return for the Leafs at any point this year or in the playoffs? |
He'll return during the season | 34 | 11.6 % |
He'll return during the playoffs | 49 | 16.8 % |
He's played his last game as a Leaf already | 209 | 71.6 % |
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