John Klingberg
Because it happened such a long time ago, many may have forgotten that former three-time All-Star John Klingberg was actually a part of the 2023-24 Leafs team this year.
After all, he was one of the key offseason signings by Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving which was suppose to help bolster their defense corps.
However, that move had turned out to be a complete disaster for both Klingberg and the Leafs.
Not only did he not provide the team with the much-needed offensive spark that was expected of him, he appeared totally lost in the defensive end at times.
On the season, Klingberg put up only five assists in 14 games while registering an abysmal 42% expected goals rate and 45% scoring chances rate whenever he was on the ice in 5-on-5 situations.
Klingberg’s season would end with the Leafs when he had to undergo season-ending hip surgery late in 2023.
In doing so, it gave the opportunity for other players to step up in his place, including the likes of Conor Timmins and William Lagesson, and help solidify the back end both from an offensive and defensive standpoint as a result.
With the failed experiment, the chances of Klingberg returning next season appears to be slim, with plenty of other affordable and much more reliable options internally for the Maple Leafs already.