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John Klingberg's atrocious effect on the Leafs on full display early in the season
Early into a one year prove-it deal with the Leafs, the formerly dynamic defenseman John Klingberg is seriously struggling. He's produced decent offensive numbers with five assists through nine games, but a deeper look into the numbers shows that his overall effect on the team is not a positive one.
Leafs analyst Kevin Papetti of the Athletic revealed some damning defensive stats, which show that Klingberg is hurting the team. Without Klingberg on the ice, the Leafs rank towards the top of the league defensively. Yet when he's on the ice, the Leafs have a defensive impact similar to the league-worst San Jose Sharks.
When acquiring a veteran player in Klingberg, his strengths and weaknesses were already known. The Leafs and Treliving knew Klingberg's offensive inclination, but to see his defensive impacts be this poor is an undeniable drag on the team.
With this information, in a year where the Leafs can't afford to waste roster spots, the team will need Klingberg to improve his overall game. The alternative is finding a new home for the veteran blueliner and a suitable replacement that would help the team improve their defensive metrics. At this point, it wouldn't be challenging, as almost any regular NHL defenseman in the league is putting better defensive numbers.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 2 | 465 ANSWERS John Klingberg's atrocious effect on the Leafs on full display early in the season If the Leafs move on from Klingberg, where should they improve the team? | ||
| Offense | 16 | 3.4 % |
| Defense | 416 | 89.5 % |
| Goaltending | 33 | 7.1 % |
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