John Klingberg’s defensive game has been a disaster for the Toronto Maple Leafs

Tyler Yaremchuk: The Toronto Maple Leafs have laid another egg; they are not playing very well. Another tough night for them in the goals-against department as they get doubled up by the Ottawa Senators. We talked last week about whether this is a group that can stand up for one another, are they tough enough and I said I wasn’t worried about that. What I am worried about is their inability to keep pucks out of the net and just to avoid these in-game ruts that they seem to get into. They gave up four goals in 10 minutes to Tampa, three goals in the third period to Buffalo and then three goals in three minutes to Ottawa. This team has some serious issues defensively. 

Frank Seravalli: I think that’s where the issue really stands out is the defense. I think, you look at Ilya Samsonov and he’s struggled; Joe Woll has been fine, no concern on that front, my concern is to their blueline. You hear Sheldon Keefe saying “The fans deserve better” and second about keeping the pucks out of the net and that’s something internally they are obviously talking about and it’s something we, the media have been talking about for years. This defense core as it’s assembled is not championship calibre it is not a Stanley Cup contender and that continues to hold them back. Part of it by nature is the way their cap is structured so they’re a bit top-heavy on the other side and that limits what they can spend on the backend and when you do get some cap and freedom and spend it on John Klingberg then you put yourself in a tough spot. 

Tyler Yaremchuk: I don’t know what they thought they were getting with Klingberg but anyone who is feeling disappointed with what he’s brought to the table I’d say have you watched him? 

Frank Seravalli: Look, I’m certainly not going to disparage anyone who works in hockey ops or front office. But it kind of feels to me that they were flat earthers or deniers and you could’ve just looked back on Klingberg’s run in Dallas, his start in Anaheim and the way he finished last season with Minnesota to suggest that this is someone who doesn’t really have the capability to defend in his own end. Go back and read the scouting report; we broke down every player that was on the trade block and it is spot on what’s happening with Klingberg right now, there is no mystery here. 

You can watch the full episode here…