The Edmonton Oilers have made another addition to their blueline. It was announced on Friday that veteran defenceman John Klingberg signed a deal with the team. It’s a one-year deal with a $1.35 million cap hit. This deal will expire at the end of the coming season.
JOHN KLINGBERG
The #Oilers have signed the free agent defenceman to a one-year contract. Klingberg has scored 81 goals & 331 assists in 633 career @NHL regular season games. pic.twitter.com/b7kI159pAt
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 17, 2025
John Klingberg Signed by Oilers
Klingberg has played for the Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs over his 10-year NHL career. The 32-year-old has 81 goals and 331 assists for 412 points in 633 career games.
Last season, he played 14 games for the Maple Leafs. However, he only got five points before injuries derailed his season. Klingberg had a Corsi for of 60.1 and a relative Corsi of 14.8.
Dallas originally drafted Klingberg in the fifth round, 131st overall of the 2010 NHL Draft. His best seasons were with the Stars and was a Norris Trophy contender for a number of seasons. However, he’s struggled in his seasons since he’s left the Lone Star State.
He’s played for his native Sweden a number of times. Klingberg has won gold at multiple levels for his native country. He took gold at the 2012 World Juniors and a pair of golds at the 2017 and 2018 IIHF World Championships.
What It Means
Klingberg can help out the Oilers’ blue when he’s on his game. Edmonton has played better on the blueline, it can always use a veteran presence in the locker room.
There may be some concerns with Klingberg with him coming off bilateral hip surgery. However, he can be a good quarterback of the second power-play unit if he can get back into playing shape.
The Oilers have a good extra-man unit when playing at their best. However, depth is always welcomed when the Stanley Cup Playoffs roll around. Edmonton has come on strong as of late and is looking to take the next step after losing in Game 7 of last season’s Stanley Cup Final.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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