NHL Insider Chris Johnston Reveals John Klingberg's Likely Free Agency Plans

NHL insider Chris Johnston has revealed that Oilers defenseman John Klingberg will likely be leaving the team and testing the free agency market.

The Edmonton Oilers' blue line won't likely see any profound changes to the roster during the summer, and that isn't necessarily a negative.

For much of the 2025 playoffs, the unit was nearly unbreakable, shutting down the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars through five-game series wins.

While the defence struggled against the Stanley Cup champion Panthers, that was more of a problem of the relentless forecheck of Florida than a lack in Edmonton's blue line.

With Darnell Nurse, Brett Kulak, Jake Walman, Mattias Ekholm, Troy Stecher, Ty Emberson, and upcoming Evan Bouchard all under contract, the Oilers are deep on the blueline.

The Oilers have several names they can target for depth option on D

But there are some intriguing free agents who will be available July 1, and if Edmonton wants to add depth to the roster, Aaron Ekblad, Ryan Lindgren, Brent Burns, and Nick Perbix are all ones worth monitoring.

One other name is John Klingberg. He played a massive role in the Oilers' early-round success, especially against Los Angeles, Vegas, and Dallas.

While he struggled in the Cup Final, eventually being scratched for Games 4 and 5, he still registered four points in 19 games at the tail-end of the playoffs, equaling his regular-season production in just 11 games.

Klingberg will earn roughly $2 million per AFPAnalytics, on a one-year deal. If Edmonton signs him back for that amount, it would be a smart depth acquisition.

NHL reporter Chris Johnston believes Klingberg will test free agency, so if Edmonton wants to consider bargain options on defense, they may need to look elsewhere, based on Johnston's latest report.