Insider details Edmonton Oilers plans with John Klingberg in the lineup
As the dust settles withthe Oilers signing John Klingberg to a one-year deal the picture is becoming clearer on what the Oilers will do with Klingberg going forward.
Edmonton being creative prior to March trade Deadline
According to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, the Oilers have decided to give Klingberg a chance to play with the team until the March trade deadline. This period would be an evaluation to see if he could still play at a high level in the NHL after undergoing major hip resurfacing surgery earlier last year.
General manager Stan Bowman and his management team appears to be hedging their bets as they feel adding Klingberg to the roster could be a coup and a potential shrewd move that could land them in veteran defensemen at no cost of draft picks or prospects.
On the flip side, there's a possibility that Klingberg may not workout the way they hope and the team has put contingencies in his contract. The Oilers gave him a $1 million prorated deal for one season which is an absolute bargain for the team considering what they could be getting in his abilities.
Oilers preparing to acquire top four defenseman even with Klingberg
It's safe to say the Oilers will remain active and watch full of who will become available as teams begin to fade in their playoff push. The team will likely look at unrestricted free agents as potential rentals who could help bolster the lineup.
This season is a win now season considering two of their major stars are up for contract negotiations in Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid.
It's fair to say that Bowman along with President Jeff Jackson will be all in at the deadline and do their best to acquire whatever is necessary to help put the Oilers over the top.
The Oilers are finishing up their three-game road trip where they will take on the Vancouver Canucks on January 18th at 10:00 PM Eastern.
