John Klingberg explains why he ditched agent and inked with Ducks

One of the larger National Hockey League free agent fishes has officially swam off the market last week, though the destination and term of the new contract came as a bit of a surprise to many. 

Former Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg is taking his talents to Southern California, inking a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks. The term is especially unusual, given the fact that Klingberg was after a multi-year deal. Of course, he made headlines when he decided to switch his personal representation from Peter Wallen to Newport Sports Management. 

“Going into free agency, we were looking for a long term, that’s not a secret,” Klingberg said. “The market is what it is right now and we had to switch up the tactics a little bit.”

“It’s a different market now. That’s kind of where we’re at, and I understand that,” he continued. “So, it’s just going to be up to me to have a good year, to help the team win and help myself to put myself in a good situation moving forward.”

For Klingberg, who is coming off a seven year contract with the Stars, the short-term marriage with the Ducks enables him to showcase his skills in an effort to get a more secure deal next summer, whether it be with the Ducks or with another squad. Additionally, Verbeek could choose to flip Klingberg at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline should his team be out of the race. In the meantime, Klingberg brings veteran character and experience to a team that will be playing for the first time without stalwart forward Ryan Getzlaf since 2005. 

"With (Trevor) Zegras and Troy Terry, what they did last year, I think that’s exciting for the future,” Klingberg said. “If you look at the signings they (made) in free agency as well, with Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano, I think those are two really good signings. If you look at their D corps with Drysdale I think it’s very exciting too. He’s young and it looks like he can have a real bright future in the league."