John Klingberg previously signed a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs in 2023, but his stint was cut short after just 14 games (Image via Getty Images)The Toronto Maple Leafs have been encouraged to consider a reunion with veteran defenseman John Klingberg as they continue looking for an experienced blue-liner ahead of the 2026-27 season. The suggestion came as the Maple Leafs are continuing with their roster change, and Klingberg is still available in free agency after spending the previous season with the Edmonton Oilers and the San Jose Sharks in 2025, as per the NHL. It is also important to note that he was associated with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023-24.Toronto Maple Leafs encouraged to acquire veteran defenseman John Klingberg ahead of the NHL seasonAs the Toronto Maple Leafs are currently hunting for a good defenseman for their lineup and to add more depth to their roster, the club is urged to acquire veteran defenseman John Klingberg, with whom the team was associated in the 2023-24 season. This was suggested by NHL analyst Edward Eng of FanSided that the team should sign veteran defenseman John Klingberg.The reason that the Maple Leafs should consider him as Klingberg has the potential to become a puck-moving defenseman on the third pairing and add some more offense to the blue line. However, if Toronto does trade Morgan Rielly, adding a puck-mover like Klingberg would definitely add some benefit to the team.Also, as per PuckPedia, John Klingberg is an Unrestricted Free Agent. Earlier, he signed a one-year contract worth $4 million with a cap hit of $4 million per season with the San Jose Sharks, which expired at the end of the 2025-26 season.According to Edward Eng, “The first go-around for star defenseman John Klingberg with the Leafs certainly did not go as planned,” Eng wrote. “As one of Toronto’s key signings during the 2023 offseason, Klingberg would end up spending the bulk of his time on the injured reserve than actually playing, as he would appear in just 14 games for the Maple Leafs."The analyst further added, “But last season with the San Jose Sharks, Klingberg definitely showed that he still got some game left in him, recording double digits in goals with 10, along with 27 points in 56 games played. With the new Leafs regime seemingly preferring puck-moving defenseman, Klingberg deserves another chance to show what he could really provide the Maple Leafs on another one-year deal.”Previously, Klingberg signed a one-year, $4.15 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1, 2023. But his stint was cut short after just 14 games. He underwent season-ending hip surgery after recording five points with Toronto, ending a frustrating campaign.He also signed a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 17, 2025, after recovering from hip surgery that ended his season in December 2023. He signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the San Jose Sharks on July 1, 2025.Nevertheless, nothing has been confirmed so far by the team, and it is still under speculation. However, Toronto is continuously making changes in this offseason under new general manager John Chayka, making changes to both its coaching staff and hockey operations after missing the playoffs last season. Adding a familiar face like Klingberg could be another low-risk move as the franchise looks to rebound in 2026-27.