Three Teams Officially Eyeing Defenseman John Klingberg, per Darren Dreger
With John Klingberg looking to make an NHL comeback, Insider Darren Dreger has narrowed down the three teams looking to make an offer.
It's been over a year since John Klingberg took the ice in an NHL game. After suffering an injury only a few weeks into the season, the Swedish defenseman had to undergo a hip resurfacing procedure which has kept him off the ice ever since.
But there were inklings of a potential comeback in the last couple of weeks, and there's no doubt Klingberg could be a big asset to a team especially one seeking offensive help on their blueline, and if he can replicate at least a good portion of the player he once was, it might be a huge steal.
NHL Insider Darren Dreger mentioned on Tuesday that Klingberg was nearing a return in the next few weeks, and laid out three teams who have expressed interest including a very familiar face.
Ottawa, Edmonton and Toronto Targeting John Klingberg
Dreger names the Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs as the three teams wanting to add Klingberg.
Ottawa could use the veteran defenseman as a great way to improve their blueline while also adding the perfect veteran voice to help their younger defensemen.
Ottawa is only eight points out of second in the Atlantic, so adding Klingberg would bring a new dimension to a team fighting for a playoff spot.
Edmonton could certainly use his services as the team continues to fight neck and neck with Los Angeles, and they have enough defensive defenseman to afford adding Klingberg to the fold.
It would bring Klingberg back to the Western Conference where he spent the majority of his career with the Dallas Stars.
The team who could use him the most though is the Toronto Maple Leafs, as the team is anemic on offense from the blueline, and even in a short span with the team last season he played well.
He had five assists in 14 games before getting hurt, but has averaged 10 goals and 53 assists throughout his NHL career.
If he's healthy enough, he can add more offense and perhaps try and spark the team since Morgan Rielly can't do anything this season it seems.
Klingberg also wouldn't be the most expensive option plus his career 139 assists on the powerplay would be a massive improvement to a team who can't figure out their special teams on any given night.
While it might seem like a bad idea to take a flier on Klingberg, Toronto has nothing to lose adding a potential gamechanger to their playoff push dreams.
