Front-runner emerges in free agent John Klingberg sweepstakes!

Defenseman John Klingberg is looking to make his NHL comeback after spending more than a year working his way back from a double hip resurfacing surgery. He has until the March 7 trade deadline to sign a new deal to play this season, and teams have expressed interest.

Amongst them are the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers and, according to Darren Dreger, the latter may have become the front-runner in the blue liner’s sweepstakes.

“Klingberg would be paired up with (Darnell) Nurse, and he would get the opportunity to play on the power play as well,” 2 Mutts Podcast’s X account wrote about what Dreger said.

Dreger noted some feel the Oilers are a primary target and since Klingberg is expected to come in at a modest cap hit on a deal effectively spanning a few months through the end of the 2024-25 season, the risk isn’t high for Edmonton.

The Oilers’ chance may be better too since the Maple Leafs, for whom Klingberg played last, are facing roster issues, cap concerns and the fact that the team has much bigger assets to acquire in order to help their team ahead of the deadline.
Dreger has kept an eye on the situation, recently posting on the sweepstakes and saying:

“Refreshing the Klingberg watch. As reported last night, 5-7 teams very interested in his return. Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa in the mix. Also hearing the Dallas Stars are in the chase as well. Colorado? Some feel the Oilers now a primary target. Too soon to say.”

Last season with the Maple Leafs, Klingberg had five assists in 14 games before having to undergo the hip surgery. He hasn’t played in the league since November 2023.

Throughout his career, Klingberg has put on 81 goals and 331 assists, with 21 goals and 139 assists on the power-play.

According to Bob McKenzie, Klingberg could sign shortly, during this weekend.