Leafs defenceman to have potentially career-ending surgery

Moments ago, news broke that Leafs' defenceman John Klingberg will undergo a surgical procedure to repair his hip this month, and that he'll likely be done for the season.

Klingberg signed with the leafs this offseason for one year, for just over $4M. There was hope he could reclaim his offensively dynamic game from his time in Dallas, but instead his play was so poor he became unplayable - now explained by the injury. In 14 games with the Leafs this season, Klingberg had 5 assists and a brutal -7 rating.

The Leafs organization will now pivot to looking for defensive help in the trade market, now with $4M to spend with Klingberg on LTIR for the season. In recent days, the Leafs have been linked to Chris Tanev from the Calgary Flames, and Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers.


Now at 31 years old and coming off two ‘prove-it' contracts with the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs, this hip injury could have ended Klingberg's career. At his age, coming back from intensive hip surgery has proven to be exceptionally difficult for other players. For now, all fans wish the best for his recovery.