Auston Matthews has played 10 games since returning to injury, and while he has played well, is something wrong with the Leafs' captain? John Klingberg [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyNzI2NzQ2Nzc1MTAyNDc2/usatsi_21652785_168400847_lowres.jpg] John Klingberg Veteran defenseman John Klingberg is looking to make an NHL comeback [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-former-maple-leafs-defenseman-john-klingberg-hoping-for-nhl-return-in-late-january], according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Per Friedman, Klingberg – who missed most of last season after undergoing hip surgery – is expected to resume skating with a junior hockey team and hopes to join an NHL team by the end of January. While Klingberg’s most recent foray into hockey’s top league didn’t work out ideally – he had five assists in 14 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season – Klingberg is hoping for a better performance this year. The 32-year-old is a renowned offensive defenseman with 412 points in 633 career games, and he didn't log less than 32 points in any season before 2023-24. Let’s offer a few potential destinations for him below if he successfully returns. SAN JOSE SHARKS The Sharks have been a proving ground for numerous players – including D-man Timothy Liljegren and forward Ty Dellandrea – and Klingberg could sign with San Jose and try to rebuild his NHL career without too much of a media-driven or fan-driven spotlight. If the best-case scenario happens and Klingberg thrives with the Sharks, he would probably be flipped to a Stanley Cup contender for prospects and draft picks. The Sharks have more than enough salary cap space [https://puckpedia.com/team/san-jose-sharks] to bring in Klingberg, but the Swede won’t be breaking the bank on any new contract he signs. Klingberg isn’t likely to generate as much offense as he used to, but in the right situation, Klingberg could be a low-cost option who’d be a solid depth player on a Stanley Cup contender. The road to that possible situation might necessitate a pit stop in a place like San Jose. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS Similarly to San Jose, the Blackhawks aren't likely to make the playoffs this year. But, their defense corps needs all the help it can get. Chicago's highest scoring defenseman, Alex Vlasic, has 16 points in 34 games. They don't have any blueliner with more than two goals scored, even though Seth Jones has two tallies in just 18 games in an injury-shortened campaign. Klingberg can easily slot in on the right side of the defense and might be able to turn himself into an asset before the NHL’s March 7 trade deadline. Even if a contender doesn't end up getting Klingberg, he can show his worth in Chicago and be a veteran who can bring more out of his younger teammates while prolonging his NHL career. DETROIT RED WINGS The Red Wings haven’t been afraid to sign an older, former star player to come in and help them try to get into the post-season – see Patrick Kane for proof – and Klingberg might see Detroit as his best shot to play playoff hockey without being traded after he signs with a team. The Wings are on the periphery of the playoff race at the moment. But if Klingberg is fully healthy, he might be able to produce enough offense – at a very low price that fits in with Detroit’s cap situation [https://puckpedia.com/team/detroit-red-wings] – to put the Red Wings over the top in their race for a post-season spot. Finding an experienced hand on the back end isn’t easy, but if Klingberg chooses the Wings as the team he wants to play for on his redemption tour, Detroit could wind up benefiting in terms of a subsequent trade – or Klingberg may help them get a playoff spot. Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [https://info.thehockeynews.com/mail/microsites/951/1/gTeQVf?_gl=1*ustlbj*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_PK63FB1PME*MTcxMzUwOTExNi40NDguMS4xNzEzNTA5MjA5LjU5LjAuMA..]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum [https://thehockeynews.rtb.io/THNHOME/posts].
