10 Massive Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Targets for the NHL Trade Deadline

John Klingberg (RD)

The Toronto Maple Leafs would love to be able to bring the top available defenseman to Toronto by the trade deadline. More than likely, that will be John Klingberg.

The 30-year-old from Sweden has spent the first eight years of his NHL career playing for the Dallas Stars. That’s where he built a name for himself by being able to competently move the puck or carry it out of trouble and being a reliable defender.

Klingberg has also proven that he can log big minutes and make a significant impact while doing it. Most of all, it’s because he also contributes to his team’s offense. His metrics are outstanding. Last season, Klingberg had 1.7 points per 60 minutes in all situations. Through his entire eight years with Dallas, he averaged 0.68 points per game.

A player like Klingberg shouldn’t even become available this season. (It’s important to note that he does have a no-trade clause in his contract that will expire on Jan 1, 2023. At that point, it’ll transform into a ten-team no-trade clause, though both can be waived.) The reason the Maple Leafs will even have a chance at acquiring six-foot-three, 190 lbs blue liner is because he’s playing for the Anaheim Ducks on a one-year deal.

Unable to come to terms on an extension with the Stars, Klingberg agreed to play a single year with Anaheim for $7 million. According to the Athletic, Klingberg and his agent actually declined a seven or eight-year agreement with a $7 million AAV. That had the Stars withdraw their offer and eventually lead him to a “show me” deal with the Ducks.

The Leafs would love to take Klingberg out of Anaheim, even if it is as a rental. The move would help the club on both ends of the ice.