Oilers Sign John Klingberg

Oilers Sign John Klingberg

The Oilers decided not to match the Philip Broberg contract. Still, the dumbest call the franchise made during the offseason but that’s a story for another day. Instead of Broberg being paired with Darnell Nurse, the new plan is to give John Klingberg a shot.

After undergoing hip surgery last year, Klingberg is back in the league and has signed a one year contract with the Oilers.

 TSN insider Darren Dreger was the first to report the news on Klingberg heading to Edmonton:

John Klingberg heading to the Oilers.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 17, 2025

Klingberg, 32, will sign a prorated deal with Edmonton worth $1.35 million. It’s a sharp decrease for what he signed for last go around in Toronto. The Swedish blueliner only played in 14 appearances before going down via injury last year.

The Leafs Need To Fire John Klingberg Into The Sun

There isn’t a ton of risk financially but there sure is from an on-ice aspect. Will Klingberg prove to be a great fit next to Darnell Nurse? That part remains to be seen. It’s totally fair to question the fit here. Edmonton adding the single worst defensive defenseman in the sport doesn’t exactly feel like what the Oilers needed.

John Klingberg, signed by EDM, is a puck-moving offensive D. One of the most skilled passing blueliners in the game, adept at transitioning the puck up ice and setting up teammates in the offensive zone. Also maybe the worst defensive defenceman in the NHL the past five years. pic.twitter.com/qsOOQbIn3X

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 17, 2025

The guy can’t defend a lick and he was totally unplayable the last time we saw him. It’s a matter of if the hip surgery helped get him back on track. A HUGE if right there. Nurse probably will benefit from having a puck mover next to him but at what cost? You’re basically adding Tyson Barrie back to the team in a way. I’m not sure that’s a good thing. We’ll see though.

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