Leafs GM reveals the nature of Klingberg's injury, comments on Klingberg's health at the time of his signing
Last week, the Toronto Maple Leafs placed defenseman John Klingberg on LTIR, but did not reveal what the injury was or whether or not he would be out for the season. There had been lots of speculation surrounding his injury, when it had occurred, or how serious it was and, at the time, TSN's Darren Dreger had guessed that it happened in mid-October and that it was hip related due to his mobility.
Today, Leafs GM Brad Treliving spoke with the media and provided an update on Klingberg's status. Treliving noted that Klingberg's injury flared up during the game on October 19th against the Florida Panthers and confirmed it was a hip injury. Treliving also commented on the fact that many believe the Leafs were aware of the injury prior to signing him as it would afford them an "easy out" if things were not working. Apparently that was never the case.
As far as Treliving was concerned, when he signed Klingberg to a 1-year, $4.15M deal in early July, there were no lingering issues that were noted and Klingberg had a clean bill of health. Treliving also noted that they would have more clarity on the extent of his injury at some point this week. The clarity will help the Leafs determine if they are able to spend his cap hit in upgrading or fixing the team or if they have to be careful and ensure they have that space available to them when he is deemed healthy to return.
Klingberg started off well in Toronto, compiling 5 assists in his first few weeks, but since that game against Florida, his game fell off drastically and given the other injuries to their blueline, the Leafs were unable to shelter him or his mistakes effectively. Klingberg last spoke with the media while the Leafs were in Sweden saying that he desperately wants to get back in the lineup and be able to play. Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe supported Klingberg when he spoke to the media early last week saying that he was placed on LTIR so that he could take his time and evaluate the best course of action to help him recover. As we await more clarity on the severity of his injury, the Leafs will have to continue to look internally to fix their defensive issues.
| POLL | ||
27 NOVEMBRE | 429 ANSWERS Leafs GM reveals the nature of Klingberg's injury, comments on Klingberg's health at the time of his signing Do you think Klingberg will play another game for the Leafs this season? | ||
| Yes | 61 | 14.2 % |
| No, he's on Robidas Island for the year | 368 | 85.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
