MAJOR: John Klingberg's Future Confirmed by Elliotte Friedman

NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman has just revealed on his 32 Thoughts podcast the status of John Klingberg with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Klingberg has been placed on Long Term Injury with the Leafs, but since then, there hasn't been much clarity from the team on the extent of the injury and how long he will be out.

Friedman has revealed that there should be more clarity on the situation this week and that he believes Klingberg will be out for the remainder of the year.

Klingberg's injury is an interesting one for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Obviously, they would have loved for him to be the offensive defenseman that they had him pegged to be, however, his struggles out of the gate were an issue in Toronto.

With his salary now on LTIR, the Leafs have room to take a swing at another defenseman who could help their blueline. They have been heavily rumoured to be going after Chris Tanev of the Calgary Flames, with GM Brad Treliving's recent history with the team.

The Leafs shouldn't twiddle their thumbs though, as the trade deadline will approach quicker than expected, and a bidding war is not what the Leafs need on their hands.