So, scarcely hours ago as of the time of writing this, it was announced by TSN's Darren Dreger that John Klingberg, who was being pursued by at least three different teams -- or so the rumors said -- has chosen to sign with the Oilers. If you want to read the official take, here's what the Edmonton Journal had to say about it.
The actual dollar value of the contract shows you what a clown show the NHL is at handling it's business and that it succeeds despite itself not because of itself. Klingberg's total cap hit is just south of $1.75 million for this season - $1 million base salary - pro rated - along with a $350,000 signing bonus. For some strange reason the NHL has seen fit to tack on $400,000 to his cap hit, because he was signed mid-season. What difference does it make whether the guy was signed in season or in the offseason? This makes no sense to me. But, like I said, the NHL succeeds in spite of itself, not because of itself. Common sense dictates that these types of hidden penalties are ridiculous, but I'll put that aside.
What kind of player are the Oilers getting in John Klingberg?
Well, Klingberg is in an interesting spot, as he was at one time a surefire top pairing right D who was a solid puck mover, always good for 40-60 points with the Dallas Stars. He then signed in Anaheim for the 2022-23 next season where he declined to only 24 points. Then he was dealt to Minnesota at that year's trade deadline, where he put up another nine points in 17 games played. The Wild were out in the first round but Klingberg put up 1-3-4 in four games during the playoffs, showing that he still has some playoff chops; probably a big part of what attracted GM Stan Bowman to signing him. The following season he signed as a free agent with the Maple Laffs, but could only play 14 games before suffering a season ending injury in 2023 requiring surgery on his hips. He's previously also had two other hip surgeries.
Well, as Torontonian sportswriters and fans are wont to do, they declared Klingberg that season's whipping boy and drove him out of town after the contract was up. The fact the team gained almost $4 million in LTIR cap space due to his injury seems to have escaped them. What can you say about TO, their sports fans have more heart than brains.
It is just now that Klingberg has recovered from his injury and looking to start playing again. This is very much the same situation as Connor Brown, who came to the Oilers after a major injury ended his time with the Washington Capitals prematurely.
Brown's situation could provide an indication of what to expect with Klingberg
Remember that first season Brown played for the Oilers and everyone was counting on him to provide cheap scoring help in the top six, and instead didn't score his first goal until game 55. We should probably temper our expectations likewise with Klingberg, because he hasn't played an NHL game in over a year.
Brown has since carved out a role for himself as a regular third liner who can chip in secondary levels of offence, sub in on the second line, and is a key PKer for the team on the first unit PK.
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal seems ready to anoint Klingberg as the regular second pairing D on the right side next to Darnell Nurse, but IMO that would be a mistake. After all, we saw with Brown the type of play we can expect from a guy coming back from a major injury, which in the beginning probably won't be good. I'm sure Klingberg has worked hard in rehab, the gym, and wherever he was practicing to get back into game shape. That's commendable, don't get me wrong, but there really is no substitute for actual games. Even a practice isn't as good as a game.
As far as I'm concerned the best play with Klingberg here will be temper your expectations. It's also important to remember that Klingberg has to get to know his coaches, his teammates, the city, the systems, and the organization, all of which will be new to him to start. It would be wrong to put a lot of pressure on him and just expect him to be back in game shape and playing in the top four to start. Maybe he can do that, but it would be wrong to just expect it. Ease him into his surroundings. Don't be surprised if in the early going, Klingberg, Brett Kulak, and Troy Stetcher all rotate through the spot next to Nurse (even within a game), with perhaps Ty Emberson sitting out a few games until Klingberg gets back up and running and comfortable so we know more of what the Oilers have with him.
What do I think of this signing?
I have no strong feelings one way or the other about it. I don't love it, but I don't hate it either. At this point I'm keeping an open mind, and whether Klingberg ends up playing on the second or third pairing, or gets waived down to Bakersfield before the playoffs, I won't be surprised. The Oilers aren't getting prime Klingberg at this point because he's coming off a major injury, which means they don't truly know yet what they have with him.
It's also worth noting that even in his best years, Klingberg wasn't exactly known for his defensive play. See for yourself the type of +/- he's put up the last few seasons he's played. On a team that's a Cup contender like the Oilers, this may mean he's a healthy scratch or restricted to the third pairing most nights.
What will make the transition for Klingberg easier is he actually does already know a few guys on the team. He has previously been teammates of Mattias Janmark (Dallas), Corey Perry (Dallas), Adam Henrique (Anaheim), Mattias Ekholm (Team Sweden, IIHF World Championships), and Viktor Arvidsson (Swedish pro leagues). At any rate, only time will tell how this signing works out.
Bonus material
I found it interesting how point three of that posted article states that the Oilers are looking at a big, physical defenceman at the trade deadline, yet doesn't mention that they called up Josh Brown at the beginning of the month. Granted, Brown is 30 and thus is unlikely to be a long-term option, but if I were Brown's people I would've read that as a slight on the player. I mean, if you're looking for someone else like him, why would you call him up? Seems odd to me unless they're auditioning him for the playoffs. Hmm......