Oilers' Oscar Klefbom could miss 2020-21 NHL season due to surgery

Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland said on Thursday that No. 1 defenseman Oscar Klefbom could miss the entire 2020-21 NHL season.

"If he does have surgery, maybe it decides that he is out for [the 2020-21 season]," Holland said, per Tim Campbell of the league's official website. 

"If we wouldn't have Oscar, it's a significant blow and I don't have any real answers on that right now." 

Holland didn't disclose specifics about Klefbom's injury, but Campbell noted the 27-year-old has previously battled through shoulder problems. 

The start date for the 2020-21 season, which is unknown at this time, will likely impact Klefbom's potential availability. It's believed games may not begin until January even though clubs can commence in-market voluntary training sessions on Oct. 15. 

"What we do about it may depend on when the season starts," Holland explained. "If it's December, it's not a good thing. If it's February, that's three extra months. There's a lot of unknown."

Klefbom tallied five goals and 29 assists for 34 points in 62 regular-season games during the 2019-20 campaign.