The Edmonton Oilers have been consistently actively looking to bolster their blue line, especially after the departures of key defensive players like Cody Ceci and Philip Broberg. As reported by Darren Dreger, John Klingberg is nearing a return to the NHL after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery. If the Oilers do secure his services, his addition could have a profound effect on their defensive strategy moving forward.
John Klingberg is closing in on resuming his NHL career. Toronto, Ottawa and Edmonton among the teams with expressed interest. A decision expected in next 2 weeks. Klingberg had hip resurfacing surgery in 2023 and has worked hard to get to this point. 5-7 teams in the mix.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 14, 2025
1. Adding Depth and Flexibility
One of the key challenges the Oilers have faced in recent seasons has been the depth of their blue line. With Klingberg in the fold, Edmonton would be adding a defenseman who can bring both offensive and defensive stability. His ability to play in a top four role on any given night provides Edmonton with more flexibility, allowing them to experiment with pairings to maximize their defensive coverage while still maintaining an offensive presence. For instance, Klingberg could potentially team up with a defensively sound player like Darnell Nurse, creating a more balanced pairing. This would allow Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm, to stay together as the top pairing.
2. Improved Transition Play
The Oilers are known for a high-speed offensive transition team, and Klingberg’s style of play aligns well with that. Known for his skating ability and puck-moving skills, Klingberg could help the Oilers break the puck out of their own zone with greater efficiency. His smooth skating and playmaking abilities would complement Edmonton’s offensive-minded forwards and could help the team push the pace in the neutral zone. Klingberg’s ability to control the puck and make accurate first passes could prevent the Oilers from getting bogged down in their own zone, thus maintaining their fast-paced play.
3. Defensive Responsibility
While Klingberg has been known more for his offensive contributions, his defensive game has evolved over the years. While not a top-tier shutdown defender, he has improved in his own zone, and his veteran presence would provide leadership to a blue line that includes younger players like Emberson. The Oilers would likely place Klingberg in a situation where he can continue to play to his strengths offensively while minimizing the risks in his own end. The key for Edmonton would be finding a defensive partner who complements his skill set, potentially leading to a more balanced defensive group overall.
4. Injury Concerns and Risk
The caveat to signing Klingberg lies in his recovery from hip resurfacing surgery. While I am sure he’s worked diligently to return to his previous level of performance, there’s always the risk that lingering injury concerns could affect his play. The Oilers would need to monitor Klingberg’s recovery closely and ensure that he is able to handle the physical demands of the remainder of the NHL season. The risk of re-injury would certainly be a concern for a team with championship aspirations, but the potential upside could outweigh this risk if Klingberg proves he is back to his peak form.
If the Edmonton Oilers successfully sign John Klingberg, it could be the missing piece in their defensive puzzle. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively would significantly enhance their blue line depth, offering flexibility in pairings and improved overall play. The added depth and experience on defense would not only bolster their overall defensive unit but also provide stability for a team that relies heavily on its offensive playmaking.
The decision to add Klingberg would be a calculated risk, especially given his recovery from surgery, but his potential to contribute to the Oilers’ success makes him an intriguing prospect. With so many teams reportedly interested, the Oilers will need to act quickly and ensure they offer Klingberg the right opportunity to continue his career in Edmonton. If he can stay healthy and regain his form, Klingberg could be a pivotal player in helping the Oilers reach their goal of hoisting the Stanley Cup.