Report: Leafs talked to Stars, Canucks about Klingberg, Miller

The Toronto Maple Leafs spoke to the Dallas Stars about defenseman John Klingberg and the Vancouver Canucks about forward J.T. Miller, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Klingberg is a pending unrestricted free agent with a cap hit of $4.25 million, per CapFriendly. The right-handed blue-liner is having an off year by his standards with only one goal and 25 assists over 44 games this season. The 29-year-old Swede was spectacular in the 2020 playoff bubble, recording 21 points in 26 contests as Dallas reached the Stanley Cup Final.

The Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly among the teams to previously show interest in Klingberg.

The Leafs already added Ilya Lyubushkin on defense from the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday, but Friedman notes "they aren't finished trying to tinker with their blue line."

Toronto placed defenseman Jake Muzzin on long-term injured reserve Wednesday with a concussion. His absence creates a void on the Leafs' blue line, and some additional cap space until he returns - which is unknown at this point.

Miller is signed through next season with a $5.25-million cap hit before becoming a UFA. The versatile forward - capable of playing both center and wing - has registered 20 goals and 37 assists in 51 games this season. However, Friedman noted the 28-year-old likely isn't Toronto's top priority.

The New York Rangers are reportedly among the other clubs to show interest in Miller thus far.

As for what the Leafs may have to give up in a potential deadline deal, Friedman reported the team has made it clear their desire to hold on to top prospects Matthew Knies and Topi Niemela - especially for rentals or shorter-term options. Nick Robertson, who was recalled from the AHL on Friday, is also unlikely to be traded for a rental, he added.

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