Confirmed: John Klingberg will play tonight against the Detroit Red Wings
Photo credit: The Score
Breaking news in Oil Country as newly acquired John Klingberg will be making his highly anticipated debut tonight against the Detroit Red Wings.
2 weeks ago, the Edmonton Oilers signed defenceman John Klingberg to 1 year pro-rated contract worth $1 million, including a $350k signing bonus.
While fans have been eager to see what their new D-man will bring to the table, immigration issues have slowed down the overall process.
Now, after successfully checkin in with the Oilers medical team and sorting through immigration complexities, John Klinbgerg is finally ready to go!
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, However, the Oilers aren't expecting to dress 11 forwards and 7 defenceman for tonight's game and to accommodate Klingberg's debut. Coach Knoblauch has also revealed that Kasperi Kapanen will be a healthy scratch, and Jeff Skinner will come back into the lineup.
Notably, Troy Stetcher will be a healthy scratch tonight, and goaltender Stuart Skinner
Tonight will be the first game of an important test for Klingberg and the Oilers. Klingberg is a veteran with a long history of success, scoring 412 points in 633 games. However, his hip injury turned him into a net negative player for the last few years of his career.
The Oilers took a calculated risk with Klingberg by signing him to a one-year deal worth $1.7 million and this low-cost addition allows Edmonton to evaluate his impact before deciding if they are signing him long-term or if they have to trade.
Klingberg's debut comes at a very good time as the Oilers aim to solidify their blue line for a playoff push in the second half of the season.
If the Swedish defenseman can find his game, Edmonton may have found a solution to their biggest need without doing a trade and giving assets to another team.
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