Edmonton Oilers Linked to Signing Veteran Defenceman for Top 4 Role
The Edmonton Oilers have been heavily in the market for a top four defenceman this season, and one interesting option has emerged with free agent John Klingberg.
Earlier this season, the 32 year old Swedish veteran Klingberg revealed his intention to make an NHL comeback after recovering from hip surgery.
John Klingberg Linked to Signing With Edmonton Oilers
According to a new report this morning from TSN's Darren Dreger, Klingberg may decide who to sign with in the next two weeks - and has been linked to the Oilers, Leafs, Senators, and Canucks.
Klingberg only played 14 games for the Leafs last season before departing to deal with his hip surgery.
It's a famously difficult surgery to recover from for athletes, and Dreger highlighted how much work has gone into this comeback effort.
John Klingberg has played 622 NHL games with the Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
He was long considered one of the best offensive defenceman in the NHL before losing his game when he departed the Dallas Stars in 2021-22. Still, Klingberg has an impressive 412 career points, and may have good hockey left in him at 32.
Would John Klingberg be a good fit on the Edmonton Oilers Defence?
The Oilers ideally need a top four defenceman to really elevate their team for the playoffs, and Klingberg hasn't performed at that level in several seasons.
Not only that, Klingberg struggled in his own zone even prior to hip surgery. A puck moving defenceman like him could have some offensive success on the Oilers, but it may be better suited to their playoff needs to get a defenceman trusted in their own zone.
However, if Klingberg is going to come at a league minimum price tag on a one-year deal, there's practically no risk in signing him. If it doesn't work out, his deal could be buried in the AHL while he rehabs for next year. For something this to work, Klingberg would have to play the best hockey of his career in Edmonton.
It may not be the best fit, but the Edmonton Oilers are checking the market on all available defenceman, including John Klingberg. We'll see if Stan Bowman and the Oilers make the move, or if he goes elsewhere.
