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Edmonton Oilers: Oscar Klefbom’s Career Year at a Glance

By Sammi Silber |
Jan 21, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom (77) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Edmonton won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom (77) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Edmonton won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Edmonton Oilers up-and-coming top defenceman proved just how important he was in 2016-17. Oscar Klefbom had many breakthroughs in what marked his first full NHL campaign.

Not only did Klefbom fill out the top-four in a shutdown role, he added an offensive edge to his game. All of this combined to help him reach new heights in his game this year.

Overall Impact

Klefbom was paired on the top line with Adam Larsson for most of the season. The two of them proved to bounce off each other and were an outstanding duo. Not only did Klefbom serve as an asset on special teams and live up to his shutdown role, but he added more to his game as well.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

The Swedish blueliner added some serious offensive edge to the defence corps. With an underrated point shot and puck-moving acumen, Klefbom proved to be a quality defender at both ends of the rink.

Stats

Through 82 games, Klefbom posted 12 goals and a career-high 38 points and was a minus-7. He also put 201 shots on goal this season and made sure to move the puck and add more to his offensive game. WItht hat being said, he showed his worth as a top defenceman and also made the most of his power-play time.

Defensively, Klefbom did great. He had an outstanding 146 shot blocks and was key on the penalty kill, though he had just 43 hits and wasn’t too much of a physical force. Possession-wise, Klefbom was solid, but not as strong as he was in previous years. His Corsi stayed over 50 percent and he had a relative Corsi of .6, which is more than two points down from last season. Klefbom also had just 29 takeaways for 67 giveaways. By the same token, Klefbom would turn the puck over a bit too often.

Next: Edmonton Oilers Season in Review: Zack Kassian

Overall Grade: B+

Klefbom was outstanding and added an offensive edge to his game. His play resembled that of a top-pairing defenceman. With Larsson, Klefbom made up a major part of the team’s shutdown defence corps. However, he turned over the puck too often and could work on maintaining possession.

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