Leafs’ John Klingberg injured, Jake McCabe to play in his place

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a tough time on defence this season, and now there are further changes to the unit as the team will be without John Klingberg when they face off against the Calgary Flames tonight.

According to head coach Sheldon Keefe, via TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the 31-year-old Klingberg is battling some injury issues and will be kept out of the lineup against general manager Brad Treliving’s old team. Nagging injuries could explain why the Gothenburg, Sweden native was listed as the team’s seventh defenceman in practice yesterday, as well as why he played just 15:41 in the 6-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators.

It’s been a difficult time for Klingberg since he signed a one-year, $4.15 million contract with the Leafs this summer, with the team struggling in their own zone and the very offensive-minded veteran often being highlighted when things have not gone well. If Klingberg has been playing through injury, which may have carried over from pre-season, it could be an explanation for some of his tough play, with the regular point producer not looking as mobile as usual in recent appearances.

While Klingberg spends some time on the sidelines, the Toronto Maple Leafs will see Jake McCabe back in action after his recent return to practice. The move also keeps both William Lagesson and Simon Benoit in the lineup for another night.

McCabe has not played for the Leafs since their October 26th victory over the Dallas Stars, where he suffered a groin injury. The defensive unit has been hit hard by injuries in recent weeks, with Timothy Liljegren also sidelined for a lengthy period. While Klingberg’s injury isn’t ideal, it gives him time to recover and allows McCabe a chance to get back into the lineup and get himself up to speed in the meantime.

The Toronto Maple Leafs face the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Arena tonight at 7pm Eastern.