Maple Leafs officially move John Klingberg to LTIR

The Toronto Maple Leafs have moved struggling defenceman John Klingberg to long-term injured reserve.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe said earlier Thursday that Klingberg was "working through things to determine what's going to be the next steps for him."

Klingberg has missed three games with the injury — including both Global Series games in his native Sweden — and had already been ruled out for this weekend's games against the Blackhawks and Penguins.

"It's always been there throughout my career, but I've been able to deal with it and work through it. But it kind of hit a rock bottom here these last few weeks," Klingberg said after a practice in Sweden on Nov. 17.

Klingberg had double-hip surgery in 2014. He joined the Maple Leafs on a one-year, $4.15-million contract in free agency to add some more offence from the blue line, but has struggled through the first two months of the season — with four assists and a minus-7 through 14 games.

Forward Alex Steeves was recalled from AHL Toronto in a corresponding move. Steeves, 23, has appeared in six games for the Maple Leafs across the past two seasons and has 18 points in 14 AHL games this season.

Keefe revealed some other updates on his team ahead of their road trip.

The coach said Ilya Samsonov will start in net on Friday against the Blackhawks and Joseph Woll will tend the goal Saturday in Pittsburgh.

Keefe also said Calle Jarnkrok, who blocked a shot in practice Wednesday, had an MRI come back negative but will be a game-time decision for Friday's game.

Finally, defenceman Connor Timmins is preparing to make his season debut against the Blackhawks. Timmins has been out since suffering a lower-body injury in camp.

"We'll use every second we have before making that final decision on him," Keefe said. "I think having more mobility and puck movement, and offensive contributions, can help us for sure."