According to Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs were looking at John Klingberg and decided to pass. However, the NHL insider said the asking price was likely too high, or the fit may not have been right. Friedman’s 32 Thoughts podcast was recorded hours before another dreadful defensive showing resulting in a 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. To make matters worse, Jake Muzzin sustained another injury. So Toronto may need to reconsider the idea and pay up.

When Klingberg reportedly wanted out of the Dallas Stars organization in early January, of course, the Maple Leafs were included in possible trade destinations. Firstly, because every trade rumour must include Toronto and secondly because Justin Holl’s play has been inconsistent all season. That said, it didn’t seem too realistic that Klingberg could be coming to Toronto for several reasons. He is a free agent this summer who is carrying a $4.25 million cap hit, and the blue and white don’t need another offensive defenseman.

Maple Leafs Will Have to Pay for Klingberg

Friedman said, “one of the guys Toronto looked at over the last month is Klingberg. He is someone they considered. But they didn’t do it.” There has been speculation that Dallas is looking for a top prospect and a first-round pick. “For Toronto, they were looking for D. I think they decided that if they were doing a rental, they weren’t going to be trading a first-round pick for it. I also don’t think they were doing one of their top prospects for a rental.”