JohnKlingberg

News: 21 hours agoKlingberg left Wednesday's preseason game versus the Sabres after something tightened up during the first period, David Alter of Sports Illustrated reports.

Spin: Klingberg's exit sounds precautionary for now, though the 31-year-old defenseman will be evaluated further Thursday. Klingberg is expected to be the Maple Leafs' quarterback on the first power-play unit as well as a top-four option this season. Given his importance to the team's offense, it's understandable that the Leafs will be cautious with him during the preseason slate.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: It was only a one-year deal, but there's a case to be made Klingberg, who was paid $7 million by the Ducks, was the most disappointing free agent signing in the NHL last summer. He ended up splitting the year between Anaheim and Minnesota, posting just 33 points, his lowest total in any season in which he has appeared in at least 65 games. Klingberg's power-play production was also way down, as his 10 points with the man advantage were also a near career low. He had to settle for a one-year contract once again, this year with Toronto at a shade over $4 million. Klingberg is an ideal bounce-back candidate assuming he can earn a spot on Toronto's top power-play unit, which is no guarantee considering Morgan Rielly is still in the picture.