Elliotte Friedman changes his prediction on John Klingberg’s trade destination!

Earlier this season, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was adamant he knew where Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Klingberg would be playing after the March 3rd trade deadline. Friedman had predicted that Klingberg would joined the Edmonton Oilers, who had reportedly inquired about the pending free agent.

“This is just my prediction, (John) Klingberg finishes the year in Edmonton. I could be wrong. That’s my prediction”.

However in his latest 32 Thoughts column, Friedman changed his prediction on where the blue liner will ended up in a trade.

“I thought there was a high probability John Klingberg would end up an Oiler once the calendar flipped to 2023. He was interested in northern Alberta at the time, but the salary-cap pieces didn’t fit. There was a thought it would be revisited. I’m not expecting that anymore, although I do believe he ends up elsewhere.”

Last week, it was revealed that Klingberg had submitted his 10-team approved trade list to the Ducks, though he could still accept a trade to a team who didn’t make the cut if they are a playoff contender.

There is no doubt that the Oilers have shown interest in Klingberg, who has put up six goals and 15 points in 38 games this season. He carries a $7 million cap hit on the one-year deal he signed as a free agent in Anaheim this summer. However, maybe Klingberg does not consider them enough of a strong contender to waive his clause to head to Edmonton.

And maybe that’s why Friedman has changed his prediction on Klingberg’s next destination…

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