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Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman takes a shot at fans

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Hunter Bowman
October 27, 2023 (7:42)

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Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman John Klingberg isn't paying much heed to the naysayers critiquing his game.

While he's never been celebrated as the most defensively-minded blue liner in the NHL, he firmly believes he doesn't deserve all the flak he gets.

In his view, he's a more capable defender than his reputation suggests.

"I don't think defensively I am (as bad as) people might say that I am, but it looks that way because I'm trying to do too much with the puck in the D zone," he explained. "So I think if I just know what to do with the puck before I get it and make that simple, easy play in the D zone and through the neutral zone, it's going to take care of itself."

Klingberg, in his debut season with the Leafs, has already notched a couple of assists but finds himself at -2 in the plus/minus category. He acknowledges his shortcomings over the past few years but is determined to leave those struggles in the past.

"With how the last few years have gone," Klingberg admitted, "I feel like I have to prove myself to the league and to a certain degree, with other people as well. I know what kind of player I can be. I've not been that kind of player the last few years."

This season marks his first with the Leafs after spending part of the previous season with the Anaheim Ducks and the Minnesota Wild.

His move to Toronto in the summer signifies a fresh start for Klingberg, who previously spent the early years of his career with the Dallas Stars.

Source: Hockeyfeed

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POLL
OCTOBRE 27 \| 87 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman takes a shot at fans Do you think Klingberg's determination to prove his defensive capabilities in his debut season with the Leafs commendable?
Yes	57	65.5 %
No	30	34.5 %
List of polls

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman takes a shot at fans

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman John Klingberg isn't paying much heed to the naysayers critiquing his game.

Do you think Klingberg's determination to prove his defensive capabilities in his debut season with the Leafs commendable?