Once a high-end offensive contributor from the back end who could ignite teams through elite transitional play, the defenceman’s game has deteriorated in rapid fashion over the past few years, Travis Yost writes.
What will defenceman John Klingberg look like this season in blue and white?
At his peak, Klingberg was a high-end offensive contributor from the back end who could ignite teams through elite transitional play. But Klingberg’s production has materially waned in recent years, and recent stints with the Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild were unimpressive. It’s part of the reason Toronto was able to land the former 67-point defenceman on a relatively cheap deal this summer.
In Klingberg’s case, the issue is two-fold: his offensive impact has started to wane because he’s spending so much more time off-puck, defending the run of play in his own zone.
He’s played almost all of these minutes with either Esa Lindell or Ryan Suter on the blueline, which has been Rick Bowness’ attempt at providing Klingberg some defensive stability, affording him the ability to play a riskier, up-tempo, north-south style of play.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
SIMMONS: Maple Leafs' ancient Stanley Cup-winning blueline is now all goneCan you imagine by today’s standards, having not a single player in their 20s on defence or in goal for a team of this magnitude?
Read more »
Travis Barker Surprises 9-Year-Old Blind Drummer At Lemonade Stand And They Jam TogetherTravis Barker's never too busy to make time for a talented young fan. The Blink-182 drummer on Friday made a surprise visit to 9-year-old blind drummer Grayson Roberts' lemonade stand held at the Dream Factory social space in Los Angeles. He went viral after social media star Charlie Rocket shared to his more than one…
Read more »
Toronto FC has high hopes for young South African international Cassius MailulaWhile Toronto FC hopes Cassius Mailula can make a difference this season, it\u0027s clear both parties have an eye to the future.
Read more »
Toronto FC has high hopes for young South African international Cassius MailulaWhile Toronto FC hopes South African international Cassius Mailula can make a difference this season, it's clear both parties have an eye to the future.
Read more »
Will Bo Bichette return to the Toronto Blue Jays' roster today?After nearly three weeks injured, all-star shortstop Bo Bichette could return to the Toronto Blue Jays’ active roster for Saturday’s game.
Read more »
Shortstop Bo Bichette reinstated to Toronto Blue Jays' active rosterBo Bichette has been reinstated to the Toronto Blue Jays' active roster after nearly three weeks injured.
Read more »