Veteran Defender Inks Contract

John Klingberg Contract Signed by the San Jose Sharks

Klingberg has played for the Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers over his 11-year NHL career. He registered a goal and three assists for four points in 11 games this season with the Oilers. The Swede averaged 17 minutes and 15 seconds of ice time in games he did play. Klingberg had a Corsi for of 47.8 and a relative Corsi of -6.9.

The 32-year-old has 82 goals and 334 assists for 416 points in 644 career games. Dallas originally drafted him in the fifth round, 131st overall of the 2010 NHL Draft. Klingberg made the league’s all-rookie team in 2014-15 and was fifth in the Calder Trophy voting. That award goes to the league’s top rookie.

He’s also played for his native Sweden on the international level. The Gothenburg, Sweden has won gold at both the junior and senior level. Klingberg took gold for the Swedes at the 2012 IIHF World Juniors. He’s also won two golds at the IIHF Worlds in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

What It Means

This deal is a chance for Klingberg to prove that he can still contribute at the NHL level. He joined the Oilers during the season, but saw limited game action. The veteran blueliner is hoping to latch onto a roster and get even more game time this season.

Klingberg underwent hip surgery while with the Leafs. He’s hoping got one more good run at a decent contract in the latter stages of his career. The veteran was an excellent defenceman when he was in his prime.