Defenseman John Klingberg Snubs the Maple Leafs, Signs With Canadian Rival
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Maple Leafs missed out on a golden opportunity to add some offensive punch and depth to their blueline as John Klingberg decided to sign with Canadian rival.
The 32-year-old joined the Leafs on a 1-year deal last off-season, but after just 14 games, he was forced to undergo surgery. Since he resumed skating and announced that he intended to resume his career, the Leafs had been considered a favourite to land the Swede.
It ended up being far less than 24 hours as McKenzie's colleague Darren Dreger announced that Klingberg has signed with the Edmonton Oilers.
Although most Leafs fans aren't exactly upset over missing out on signing another injury-prone player, the Leafs missed an opportunity to add an offensive punch to their blueline for nothing but cap space.
Had they managed to add Klingberg, they could have immediately moved the assets they may have delegated to the blueline to their search for a center, allowing them to go after a higher valued player than the usual depth addition. Not to say it isn't or wasn't going to happen anyway, but it would have been a guarantee instead of a possibility.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
JANVIER 17 | 1979 ANSWERS Defenseman John Klingberg Snubs the Maple Leafs, Signs With Canadian Rival Would Klingberg have been a good addition to the Leafs' blueline? |
Offensively yes, defensively no | 344 | 17.4 % |
Not at all | 894 | 45.2 % |
Another injury prone player, I'll pass | 741 | 37.4 % |
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