Maple Leafs demote John Klingberg, sparking calls for trade

The decision to potentially bench Klingberg comes after a lackluster performance where he was on the ice for four goals against in the Maple Leafs’ 6-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators. This swift demotion to the seventh spot is seemingly being supported by the whole of Leafs Nation, many of whom are already calling for the Leafs to trade the defenseman who doesn’t play defense. Many are questioning Klingberg’s performance, wondering if he has lost his touch or if there are underlying issues affecting his gameplay.

Klingberg Has Earned This Demotion

Interestingly, Simon Benoit and William Lagesson, who form the third defensive pair, have shown more consistency and effectiveness, relegating Klingberg further down the depth chart. This unexpected development has sparked discussions about Klingberg’s future with the team. Some critics argue that his signing by the Maple Leafs hasn’t yielded the desired results and that it might be time to part ways with the player.

There is a consensus among fans that Klingberg’s performance has been subpar, making him a liability on the ice. Many are calling for Maple Leafs’ management, particularly general manager Brad Treliving, to recognize the situation and consider trading Klingberg to free up cap space, which currently stands at $4.15 million. This move could potentially allow the team to address other areas of need and strengthen their lineup.

The situation has left many baffled as it took a long time for head coach Sheldon Keefe to finally shorten the extended leash given to Klingberg despite his struggles. The player has become a topic of intense scrutiny within the Maple Leafs fan base. And, as the team faces upcoming challenges and continues to struggle to consistently win hockey games, decisions regarding Klingberg’s role and future with the organization will undoubtedly be closely monitored.