Maple Leafs player reportedly gets emotional and tells teammates he may never play again

As the Leafs wrapped up their two games in Sweden for the NHL's global series, one Swedish defenceman was notably absent from both games. John Klingberg, signed just this offseason, has been dealing with an injury the last few weeks but very little details have been known until now.

In an emotional press conference, Klingberg yearned for the ability to be on the ice for the games in Sweden, but revealed that he may never be able to play NHL games again.


After only 14 games with the Maple Leafs this season, it could be the end of Klingberg's run with the team and potentially his career. Struggling greatly in those games, recording 8 assists but with a -7 rating, Klingberg showed no strong case that he'd be able to rejuvenate his career with the Leafs.


Coming off several disappointing seasons in a row now since leaving the Dallas Stars in 2021, Klingberg's career could very well be over if he's dealing with a chronic injury at the age of 31. He's only signed for the remainder of this season for $4.15M, which could end up on the Leafs' long-term injured reserve.