Edmonton Oilers cautiously optimistic about acquisition of John Klingberg

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Ryan Hall
February 1, 2025 (6:47 PM)

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It's been several days since the Edmonton Oilers acquired defenseman John Klingberg as an unrestricted free agent and the organization is cautiously optimistic, but he could fill a role that the Oilers need.

Loved John Klingberg's wheels and passing in his Oilers debut. But he that was one wild break-out spin move in the first period, you know what I mean?

Since his return to the NHL, Klingberg has only played one game where Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch gave him 16 minutes and 39 seconds of work and had positive statements regarding his state of play considering how long he has been away from the ice.

Oilers think Klingberg can make a difference in their game

«Better than what we expected. You know, he hasn't played for 14, 15, months,» Knoblauch said of Klingberg's 16:39 of work against the Red Wings. «We're looking for a guy that can move the puck. The best defence is a good offence. Spending time on the offensive zone, I think he helps tremendously in that.» - Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch

Klingberg brings some intangibles that the Oilers have been looking for including the coveted right-handed shot, a large frame and many years of NHL experience including Stanley Cup final experience when he played with the Dallas Stars.

How do we feel about John Klingberg's debut?

Klingberg spoke about his first game back and how he felt about playing without any pain for the first time in many years.

«I went into this open-minded,» said the Gothenburg native, who had double hip surgery at age 18, again at 21, and then one more time last year. «I know I've been skating for a while but it's always different when you come in and play a game. I feel like with the puck I made some clean breakouts and took care of the 0puck (against Detroit). But without the puck I need to put a little more timing into it with gaps and reading off the team and stuff like that. It was an OK first game.» - John Klingberg

Klingberg's success helps the Oilers at trade deadline

The Oilers organization are crossing their fingers that Klingberg's play will improve steadily as the season completes.

Adding his services will also help the Oilers at the March trade deadline as they could allocate some of their resources elsewhere especially in their top six along the left side of Leon Draisaitl.

If Klingberg assuages the Oilers' No. 1 need coming out of training camp - a right-handed Top 4 defenceman - then Edmonton's trade capital can be spent elsewhere at the March 7 trade deadline. Quite likely on a left winger to play next to Leon Draisaitl, one with superior offensive capabilities to what Vasily Podkolzin provides.

"A lot of fun. You miss this." John Klingberg speaks with @GenePrincipe about returning to the game and joining the Oilers.

The organization has plenty of time to evaluate this move and will continue to measure what needs they have as the deadline approaches. It's safe to say, the oilers will be active as they will attempt to add what they need to get them to the Stanley Cup Finals again.

Source: Sportsnet
Why Klingberg could be Oilers' missing piece on blue line

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