The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed defenseman John Klingberg on long-term injured reserve and recalled forward Alex Steeves from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Klingberg’s LTIR assignment has been much anticipated, as the defender’s undisclosed injury grew from a small concern, to something that would hold him out of all action this week, to an LTIR designation.
Klingberg is in his first season with the Leafs, signing a one-year, $4.2MM contract with the team on July 1st. He’s performed modestly in his first 14 games with the club, netting five points, eight penalty minutes, and a -7.
Klingberg has moved around a lot in recent years, after spending the first eight years of his career with the Dallas Stars. He signed a one-year, $7MM contract with the Anaheim Ducks ahead of last season and appeared in 50 games with the club, netting 24 points and a -28. Anaheim didn’t stick out the contract, though, dealing him to the Minnesota Wild at last year’s Trade Deadline. Klingberg went on to play in 17 games and record nine points, in Minnesota – adding four points in four playoff games as well.
With the veteran defender on IR, Toronto brings up the Marlies’ leading scorer in Steeves. The 23-year-old forward has 18 points in 14 AHL games this season, a tally that ties him for third in the league in points. Steeves has played three NHL games in each of the last two seasons, totaling one point across the matchups.
Steeves provides depth for Calle Jarnkrok, who is slated to be a game-time decision for the team’s Friday matchup. Jarnkrok is dealing with a lower-body injury after taking an Auston Matthews shot to the leg.
Assuming it’s that bad hip and he will need surgery on like he did in 14
I’m sure he’ll get healthy right after the regular season ends
Another underpreforming high salary player “injured” so toronto can send him to robidas island to join matt murray.
@jdgoat — Somebody from the Leafs’ medical team will have to re-injure him after game 82. This time, they should make it look like an accident.
Treliving has done a great job so far. This and signing Ryan Reaves to 3 years
Now, Klingberg just needs an all-expenses paid “Three hour tour”, and have psycho-therapy sessions with Dr. Ginger.
JK — “You wouldn’t disrespect me like they did in Dallas & Anaheim, would you?”
Dr. Ginger — “What did you say? Whoa! I think Benn & Terry just scored! Um, who are you, again?”
I’m less comfortable with Matt Murray sneaking into Lovey’s hut. Might have to post Reaves at the door to watch for Thurston. Ah, the memories of Skipper (Shanny) hitting Gilligan with his hat. Gilligan’s in Pittsburgh now, so things change. Not Robidas Island, though.
@Jess the trip — Matt Murray stars in “Three on a bike”.
Gosh, I hope not. He might fall and hurt himself.
@Jess the trip — There’s always the built-in excuse — “He’s had a setback in his recovery. And he’s talking funny, too. Almost like he’s sucked down a tank of nitrous.”
Just what TML needs to land Zadorov…Oh and a 2nd and Robinson.
It’s not as if Toronto didn’t know what they were getting when they signed Klingberg: a guy who had the worst plus-minus on his team four years running (and that mostly with a good Dallas team with consistently fine goaltending), whose defensive metrics have cratered, and who’s in visible decline offensively. Even his skill on the power play has declined: he had two PP goals and eight PP assists last year. I don’t think I’d want him even on bottom pairing at league minimum now.
What a joke Toronto puts another player who stinks on ltir – Murray and now klingberg is reaves next ?
@Toksoon — If they don’t start using Reaves in some legit way (in his eyes), I’d be more inclined to expect a mutual contract termination. He believes he can still contribute, even if most eye tests might say otherwise.
I’m sure the Leafs will love it but Reaves is due another $3.7MM on his contract. CapFriendly says Reaves has made $17MM for his career, so he probably wants the money. I expect they might indulge him this season (like Simmons last year) but force him to actually play in the AHL after that (or retire.) Last year, when Simmons was a Marlie, he somehow never found his way to the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
It’s been several years now since Reaves was a NHL-caliber player. There are any number of big stiffs in the minors who’d be just as happy to punch people in the head for league minimum.