Former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, bringing an end to a career marked by both brilliance on the ice and challenges off it. The Swedish blueliner, who was once seen as a cornerstone of the Oilers’ defense, made the difficult decision after battling persistent injuries that kept him sidelined for the last few seasons.
Klefbom’s retirement, though expected by many, still marks the conclusion of what could have been a stellar career in the NHL. Selected 19th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Klefbom was seen as a high-potential defenseman with a combination of size, skating ability, and hockey IQ. He quickly became a fan favorite in Edmonton, not only for his on-ice performances but also for his leadership and character.
Oscar Klefbom officially retires at 31 because of serious shoulder issues after he played his last Oiler game at 27. This vastly underrated top 4 D played 378 Oiler games and averaged 25 1/2 mins a night in his last season in 2019-2020. Fantastic partner with Adam Larsson.
— Jim Matheson (@jimmathesonnhl) August 8, 2024
Over the course of his career, Klefbom played in 378 regular season games for the Oilers, scoring 34 goals and adding 122 assists for 156 points. His breakout season came in 2016-2017 when he posted career highs with 12 goals and 38 points in 82 games, helping the Oilers reach the playoffs for the first time in a decade. His performance that season solidified his reputation as a reliable, two-way defenseman who could log big minutes and contribute offensively.
However, Klefbom’s career was unfortunately plagued by injuries, particularly shoulder issues that severely impacted his ability to stay on the ice. After undergoing surgery in March 2021 to address chronic shoulder problems, he was forced to sit out the entire 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons. Despite his best efforts to rehabilitate and return to the game he loved, the injuries proved too severe, ultimately leading to his decision to retire.
While his playing days may be over, Klefbom’s legacy in Edmonton is secure. He will be remembered as a key figure during a pivotal period in the Oilers’ history, helping to lead the team back to the playoffs and providing stability on the blue line. As he steps away from the game, Klefbom leaves behind a lasting impact on the Oilers and the NHL, a testament to his skill, dedication, and resilience.
As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, fans and the hockey community as a whole wish Oscar Klefbom all the best in his future endeavors. His contributions to the game, particularly in Edmonton, will not be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as a talented defenseman who gave everything he had to the sport he loved.