Klingberg signed a one-year, $4.15 million contract with the Maple Leafs on July 1, 2023, after playing the 2022-23 season with the Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild. The defenseman played 14 games with Toronto — scoring four assists and averaging 20:33 of ice time — before undergoing hip surgery.

With Tavares out for at least four games, a Maple Leafs team that was already light on centre depth will now see its options tested.

Maple Leafs forward John Tavares was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body ailment Thursday and is considered week-to-week, coach Craig Berube said.