John Klingberg – Anaheim Ducks
John Klingberg is a very different defenseman than Jake Muzzin, but he may be the best defenseman available at the NHL Trade Deadline.
He’s a big defenseman like Muzzin, but other than that they’re quite opposite.
Klingberg is an offensive defenseman who doesn’t hit much or block many shots. He’s a powerplay specialist who doesn’t see much time on the penalty kill.
Klingberg is also a right-handed shot, so he would likely slot in beside Morgan Reilly on a high offense top pairing.
T.J. Brodie would likely take Muzzin’s spot on a shutdown pairing with Justin Holl.
The Anaheim Ducks are currently in the basement of the NHL standings and are likely going to miss the playoffs. Klingberg signed with them for just one season at $7 million and will be looking for term next summer, so he will likely be on the move at the deadline.
I’m not sure if John Klingberg is the type of defenseman the Leafs really need for the playoffs. There are some cheaper and more appropriate options out there but adding another skilled offensive player wouldn’t hurt.
Klingberg has been connected to the Leafs in trade rumours before.