Klingberg signs one-year, $4.15 million contract with Maple Leafs
Defenseman had 33 points with Wild, Ducks last season; Reaves gets 3-year deal
ByNHL.com @NHLdotcom
John Klingberg signed a one-year, $4.15 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.
The 30-year-old defenseman had 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in 67 games for the Minnesota Wild and Anaheim Ducks last season, including nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 17 games after he was acquired in a trade with the Ducks on March 3. Klingberg had four points (one goal, three assists) in four Stanley Cup Playoff games.
"Obviously playing against the Leafs the past few years, it's a team that playing with the puck has a lot of offense, a lot of skill," Klingberg said Monday. "It's a great team. So being a Toronto Maple Leaf, it's obviously a huge thing. And it's going to be a lot of fun. With the way the team plays, I feel it's a good fit for me."
Selected by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round (No. 131) of the 2010 NHL Draft, Klingberg has 407 points (81 goals, 326 assists) in 619 regular-season games for the Wild, Ducks and Stars and 39 points (eight goals, 31 assists) in 63 playoff games.
"[Talking to coach Sheldon Keefe] I think we were on the same page of how we both looked at how my game is when it's at its best," Klingberg said. "Obviously I think my game brings a lot of offense and especially on the power play, so I'm just going to come in there and try my best. When I'm at my best, I think I play a solid game defensively and then join the rush and being involved in the o-zone. And try to get as many shots on the power play and 5-on-5 and just be creative."
Toronto also signed forward Ryan Reaves to a three-year, $4.05 million contract ($1.35 million AAV) Saturday.
The 36-year-old had 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 73 games for the Wild and New York Rangers last season, all his points coming with Minnesota after he was acquired in a trade with New York on Nov. 23. He did not have a point in six playoff games.
Selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round (No. 156) of the 2005 NHL Draft, Reaves has 129 points (59 goals, 70 assists) and 1,023 penalty minutes in 828 regular-season games for the Wild, Rangers, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins and Blues and eight points (three goals, five assists) in 108 playoff games.
The Maple Leafs (50-21-11) won a playoff series last season for the first time since 2004. General manager Brad Treliving was hired to replace Kyle Dubas on May 31.
NHL.com staff writer Mike Zeisberger contributed to this report
