Amazing news on John Klingberg has been announced this week
Veteran defenseman John Klingberg is getting ready to make his Edmonton Oilers debut.
According to Mark Spector, Klingberg has been skating with a junior team for a month and training solo for several months and he is now ready to join Oilers' practice on Monday.
- Mark Spector Sportsnet
Edmonton Oilers just added and experienced defenseman to their lineup in John Klingberg
The Oilers signed Klingberg to a one-year contract of $1.75 million which is an affordable gamble for GM Stan Bowman considering Klingberg's potential to return to form after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery.
Klingberg is known for his offensive contributions and a shot from the blue line since he has 81 goals and 331 assists in 633 NHL games.
His ability to be the quarterback on a power play makes him an ideal fit for the Oilers and is providing the right-handed shot the team needed without sacrificing draft capital or prospects like Matthew Savoie or Noah Philp.
Drafted by Dallas in 2010, Klingberg spent most of his career with the Dallas Stars before short stints with the Ducks, Wild and Maple Leafs.
His 2022-23 campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs was cut short to just 14 games because of the injury we talked earlier.
Klingberg's signature will help the Oilers' defensive depth, but the coaching staff will need to make decisions on Troy Stecher or Ty Emberson since adjustments will be needed to put him in the lineup.
The Oilers are closing up their road trip with a game against the Vancouver Canucks on January 18 before returning to Edmonton for six consecutive games at home.
Welcome to Edmonton, John!
