John Klingberg Signing with the Edmonton Oilers

Oilers Beat Out Several Teams to Land Klingberg

The race to sign NHL UFA defenseman Klingberg was heating up, with several teams reportedly having kicked tires on his health and the price to sign him to finish out the 2024-25 season. As many as 5-7 teams were in the mix for the 32-year-old, who is aiming to return to the NHL after a hip resurfacing procedure in December 2023. A few days after the news of his imminent return surfaced, the potential suitors started to become more clear.

According to several sources, the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, and Dallas Stars had all expressed interest. While each team has reached out to Klingberg’s camp, some were more serious than others.

Klingberg wanted to sign with a contender. He also wanted a chance to show what he can do, potentially searching for enough opportunity to earn himself a contract for next season. It will be intriguging to see how the Oilers use him. Evan Bouchard has the top spot on the power play locked up, but Klingberg could run the second unit, potentially getting time alongside Darnell Nurse 5-v-5.

Who Were the Most Legitimate Landing Spots for Klingberg?

Nick Kypreos of the Toronto Star viewed the Maple Leafs as unlikely. He discussed their current blue line depth and a preference to give opportunities to Philippe Myers or Conor Timmins.

The Ottawa Senators likely weren’t serious contenders, simply because they don’t appear to be a playoff lock.

The Oilers, meanwhile, were seen as a strong candidate due to their need for puck-moving defensemen. The belief is they see Klingberg as a potential home run signing. While they understand the risk associated to signing a player who has struggled and has a history of injuries, if they didn’t sign him for cheap and he does big things, the organization would have be upset they didn’t add a top-four blueliner when they could have done so without giving up assets.

They view this as a small risk, but high reward deal.

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal believes he’s not the ideal fit, but writes, “The Oilers are kicking tires, doing their due diligence because it won’t cost them any draft picks or any prospects to get him, just a cheap pro-rated contract, maybe in the $800,000 range.”

The Dallas Stars, where Klingberg spent his prime years, presented an intriguing reunion opportunity. Ultimately, the Oilers won out.