Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman John Klingberg says he has never felt worse than he did a few weeks ago as an old injury caused him pain.
The return of the pain came at a very bad time as the Swede and his team are visiting his home country to play two games. Klingberg was not in uniform for Friday’s duel against the Detroit Red Wings.
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“It’s really disappointing not to be able to play. It doesn’t matter that I’m back home in Sweden. “I mean, it’s a big deal for me as a Swede in Sweden, but even if I was in Toronto or on the road, it would still be disappointing if I couldn’t get dressed to play,” he said. He started after morning training at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, according to the Sportsnet network.
Klingberg underwent hip surgery in April 2014, at the very end of his rookie season with the Dallas Stars. Since then, his groin has been unable to move and he admitted the injury is still affecting him.
“It was always there throughout my career, but I was able to deal with it. But I’ve reached the bottom of the barrel in the last few weeks,” said the man who has been officially sidelined since last Saturday due to an injury, the nature of which has not been clarified.
The 31-year-old veteran still hopes to play against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. His only progress so far has been getting on the ice Friday morning.
“I didn’t feel good,” Klingberg admitted. It was a little stiff, had some pain, and barely moved. We need to work on some things and see if I can be available on Sunday.
The Gothenburg native signed a one-year contract with the Leafs this summer. The offensive guard only has 5 assists in 14 games this season.