The Edmonton Oilers may be getting help on the backend through an unexpected source.
While many fans believed that Oilers GM Stan Bowman would find a way to improve his defence through trade, a new report has linked the team to the free agent market. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Edmonton is among several teams that have kicked tires on former Toronto Maple Leafs defender John Klingberg.
The 32-year-old Swedish defender is coming off a disappointing 14-game season with the Leafs and is currently rehabbing hip surgery, which has kept him out of action for the entirety of this season.
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
Klingberg’s career has been in sharp decline since his glory years with the Dallas Stars. At one point, he was considered one of the league’s best young offensive defencemen, putting up 67 points with the Stars in 2017-18. However, a rough aging curve and injuries have taken a toll, and Klingberg will likely be signed to a value contract once he works his way back into the league.
Edmonton is not the only team vying for Klingberg as Dreger also mentioned the Leafs and Ottawa Senators as other options. The Vancouver Canucks have also reportedly been involved in negotiations, but not as intensely as other teams.
At this point, it’s unlikely that Klingberg can be the reliable top-four defenceman that he was in his prime. If he came to Edmonton, it would have to be on a cheap contract and in a depth role, possibly as the team’s seventh defenceman. He could also be auditioned on the team’s second pair alongside Darnell Nurse as a possible replacement for Troy Stecher.
Klingberg is a right-handed defenceman with a history of being a productive player who can move the puck up the ice. That’s a profile that would fit what the Oilers need on the backend, but questions around his current ability and health will not make him a surefire acquisition to help the team’s current issues.
Depending on the type of deal that gets signed, it could be worth it to find out.