Insider Shares Update on the Futures of Two Former Maple Leafs Defensemen
Injury riddled seasons for former Leafs defensemen John Klingberg and Mark Giordano have led to a lot of questions about their NHL futures.
In August, the league's oldest player, Mark Giordano, confirmed that he wanted to continue his career. The 41-year-old skated in just 46 games for the Leafs last season due to a number of injuries, including a concussion following a scary collision in March. He was also a healthy scratch for all seven of the Leafs' playoff games against the Boston Bruins.
According to Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston, there are a handful of teams that may be interested in the former Norris Trophy winner's services, such as the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers.
In the summer, it was also revealed that Giordano had teams interested, but was weighing his options as he continues to chase an elusive Stanley Cup before riding off into the sunset.
As far as Klingberg is concerned, after just 14 games last season, the Swedish defenseman was shut down for the year, and underwent bi-lateral hip surgery, which he continues to recover from.
According to LeBrun and Johnston, Klingberg has been rehabbing from his surgery in Toronto, but there is still no timetable for his return. The good news for Klingberg, however, is that he had the same surgeon that did Patrick Kane's surgery last off-season. We ended up seeing a rejuvinated Kane return last season and post some very respectable numbers in Detroit, which should give Klingberg some hope that he'll be able to resume his career.
Additionally, Klingberg may have several suitors, as he is eligible to sign performance bonus laden contract that would reduce the risk for teams interested in his services due to the fact that he played in more than 400 career games and spending more than 100 days on the injured reserve last season.
While teams have their rosters set for now, as injuries begin to pop up during the season, we could see both Giordano and Klingberg sign deals, likely with playoff contenders.
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