For the first time in over a year, John Klingberg is set to skate on NHL ice.
The defenceman will suit up for his Edmonton Oilers debut on Thursday at home against the Red Wings, head coach Kris Knoblauch said.
The 32-year-old spent last year with the Maple Leafs but has not played an NHL game since Nov. 2023 following season-ending hip surgery. Through 14 games with Toronto, he logged five assists and was a minus-seven.
Edmonton brought in Klingberg officially on Jan. 17, signing him to a one-year, $1 million deal.
He was drafted 131st overall by the Dallas Stars in 2010, spending his first eight years in the NHL with the team. He’s since played for the Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild and Maple Leafs.
Klingberg has 81 goals and 412 points through his 633 career games.
Meanwhile, Knoblauch also said that Jeff Skinner will return to the lineup on Thursday, slotting in for Kasperi Kapanen. He missed Monday’s 4-2 win over the Seattle Kraken as a healthy scratch. The former Calder winner has 16 points through 44 games with Edmonton this year.
The Oilers have won three games in a row heading into their home matchup against the Red Wings and sit first in the Pacific Division at 32-15-3 with 67 points.