Report: Decision on John Klingberg's future in Toronto is imminent

What exactly does the future hold for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman John Klingberg? He's been dealing with an injury that's kept him out of the lineup since November 11, and it appears as though he could be longer than that for his absence. 

According to head coach Sheldon Keefe, it appears as though an extended period of time out of the lineup is a possibility.

 “It’s certainly getting to that place," Keefe said. 'He played the game last weekend (a win over Vancouver) and I thought played pretty well. But he has been uncomfortable and with the time off (travelling to Europe and him not playing) they tried to use it (for therapy). They still think that will help and pay off for him. It’s just taking him longer to bounce back.”

But now, in his most recent "32 Thoughts" podcast, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman implied that a decision on Klingberg's future could be imminent. 

“I think there was going to be a conversation about where are we going here?… I would expect some clarity, whether it’s a temporary absence or a longer one, I think we’re gonna get some clarity on that soon.”

He's in his first season with the Leafs after having split last season with the Anaheim Ducks and the Minnesota Wild after agreeing to come aboard over the summer; before that, he'd spent the first several years of his career with the Dallas Stars.

In the 14 games that he's played this season, Klingberg has registered five assists along with a less than ideal -7 rating.

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