John Klingberg's recent spotting fuels major rumors of a Maple Leafs comeback

John Klingberg's first season with the Toronto Maple Leafs was far from ideal. The veteran defenseman, who joined the team on a one-year deal in the summer of 2023, struggled with injuries and played only 14 games.

In that limited time, he managed five assists but also posted a -7 rating before being sidelined. Despite this lackluster performance, recent developments hint at a potential comeback for John Klingberg.

The Maple Leafs have undergone significant changes this off-season, with new faces like Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jani Hakanpaa joining the team. This shake-up suggested John Klingberg's time in Toronto might be over.

However, a recent social media post featuring John Klingberg and Pontus Holmberg has sparked rumors about a possible return. Pontus Holmberg's partner shared a photo of John Klingberg hanging out with Pontus Holmberg, hinting that the defenseman might still be connected to the Maple Leafs' plans.

Given John Klingberg's previous ties with Pontus Holmberg and the ongoing uncertainty around Jani Hakanpaa's contract, there's a possibility that the Leafs might reconsider bringing Klingberg back. The GM, Brad Treliving, who signed John Klingberg initially, could be contemplating a low-risk deal to give him another opportunity, especially if Jani Hakanpaa's status remains unresolved.

Despite a tough season, John Klingberg has demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level. Over the last two seasons, he's played 141 games and accumulated 80 points. While a hefty contract isn't on the table this summer, a one-year, league-minimum deal with the Leafs might be a viable option for John Klingberg to prove himself.

With the Leafs' defense lineup evolving, John Klingberg could fit into a depth role, potentially as an extra defenseman, depending on how the roster shapes up:

It's unclear what level of interest Klingberg will receive from other teams. If the market is quiet or injuries create a need, a return to Toronto could be an appealing option. For a team with high hopes for their blue line, Klingberg could provide valuable depth and experience.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Recent John Klingberg sighting sparks speculation of Maple Leafs reunion

Source: Hockey DB
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