Insider reveals timeline for Oilers' newly acquired defenseman John Klingberg debut
Photo credit: Oilers Nation
Oilers reporter and senior columnist of Sportsnet Mark Spector revealed the timeline to when newly acquired defenseman John Klingberg will begin his career with the Oilers.
»Klingberg has been skating for 1 month with a junior team, and alone for months before that. He is ready to practice with Oilers on Monday. Then they'll evaluate game readiness» - Mark Spector Sportsnet
Oilers saw opportunity to upgrade defense at no cost to draft capital
General manager Stan Bowman took a chance on the 32-year-old defender after he had undergone major hip resurfacing surgery much like the surgery Detroit Red Wings star Patrick Kane had done last year.
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.
Klingberg signed a one-year contract that has a cap value of $1.75 million which is considered a bargain considering what he brings to the table if his game returns to where it was prior to his injuries.
Klingberg is well known for his strong point shot and a driver of a power play as he will fit in nicely for the Oilers it is that coveted right shot.
Considering the Oilers did not have to give up any draft picks or any prospects including players like Matthew Savoie and Noah Philp is a great move. Klingberg is a veteran in the NHL as he was drafted by the Dallas Stars back in 2010, fifth round 131st overall.
Klingberg will bring experience and depth to Oilers roster
After his long stay with the Dallas Stars, he ended up with the Anaheim Ducks in 2022, then a year with the Minnesota Wild his last team was the Toronto Maple Leafs where he only managed to play 14 games and had five assists.
Welcome to Oil Country, John Klingberg! #LetsGoOilers
With Klingberg's arrival, the Oilers will need to decide on their defense as likely they will need to decide on either Troy Stecher or Ty Emberson as the team will need to rotate their defensemen and make a few adjustments.
The Oilers are still on the road and finishing up their three-game road trip as they take on the Vancouver Canucks On Saturday January 18th.
The team will then enjoy a six game homestand which will give them plenty of time and practice to find out where Klingberg will fit an ease him into the lineup.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 17 | 489 ANSWERS Insider reveals timeline for Oilers' newly acquired defenseman John Klingberg debut Do you think the Oilers did the right thing by signing unrestricted free agent defenseman John Klingberg? | ||
| Yes | 415 | 84.9 % |
| No | 74 | 15.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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