Inside source reports Oilers finalizing contract for top 4 defenceman
The 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers are the current favourites to sign defenceman John Klingberg, and a contract could be imminent.
Reports surfaced that Klingberg was nearing an NHL comeback earlier this week, with the Oilers listed as one of several interested teams.
Edmonton Oilers favourites to sign John Klingberg, contract could be imminent
The 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast has accurately broken Oilers news this season, and now is reporting that Edmonton is close to adding Klingberg with the intention of playing him in the top four, and on the powerplay.
The 32 year old Swedish veteran has played 633 career NHL games with the Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He's known to be a great puck-moving defenceman who struggles in his own zone.
Klingberg played only 14 games with the Leafs last season before leaving to deal with a hip injury and have surgery. At his age and coming back from such an injury, there's concern that he won't be up to speed.
Could John Klingberg play top 4 minutes in Edmonton?
Former Oiler and analyst Jason Strudwick supported the idea of adding Klingberg at league minimum, which will likely be his contract value.
On such a contract for one or two years, there's practically no risk in signing Klingberg. He has a history of being a high-end defenceman in the NHL, and if he can rediscover his game at all, he'd be a major asset.
If it works out, Klingberg could play as high as their top four and use his puck-moving skills to make the Oilers offence even better. If it doesn't, it would be an easy contract to bury in the minors.
Hopefully the Oilers are able to finalize the contract soon, and get Klingberg in to evaluate his play before the trade deadline - then Stan Bowman can make another move if necessary.
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