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Last updated: January 14, 2025

Multiple Canadian Teams Eyeing John Klingberg for Trade

Several Canadian NHL teams show interest in defenseman John Klingberg as trade talks heat up.

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Maple Leafs, Oilers, and Senators are among the handful of teams showing interest in signing unrestricted free-agent defenseman John Klingberg. Klingberg, 32, has been sidelined since undergoing hip resurfacing surgery, which ended his 2023-24 season with Toronto after just 14 games. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported last month that Klingberg intended to resume skating in Toronto after the holiday break, hoping to sign with a team once he regained full fitness.

Dreger further reports that Klingberg’s rehab is progressing as expected, though he still requires a couple more weeks to be medically cleared before signing. Despite the wait, all signs point toward him returning to the NHL, with several Canadian teams showing significant interest. While the Canucks have also expressed some interest, it is not to the extent of their Canadian counterparts.

Klingberg was once one of the NHL’s top power-play quarterbacks, but his recent seasons have been challenging. After a solid start to his career with the Stars, where he consistently put up over 45 points per season in his first eight years, Klingberg sought a larger contract after the rise of Miro Heiskanen. However, his market didn’t develop as he anticipated in 2022, and after a lengthy period without a deal, he signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks.

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Since then, Klingberg has struggled to regain his top-four status. He spent nearly 21 minutes per game on the ice in Anaheim, recording 24 points in 50 games, but struggled defensively on one of the worst teams in the league. He was traded to the Wild at the trade deadline and then signed by the Maple Leafs the following summer in the hopes he could return to form. However, injuries limited his impact, with Klingberg managing only five assists and a minus-seven rating in 14 games before being sidelined for hip surgery.

The Oilers have the greatest need for Klingberg’s services. He would likely remain in a bottom-pairing role at even strength, but he would be a major upgrade offensively on their second power-play unit. If healthy, he could boost his value by potentially earning a spot on the first power-play unit, which is currently operating at nearly 25%, further raising his stock for next summer’s free-agent market.

Image Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

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