Sounds Like John Klingberg’s Time With the Edmonton Oilers Is Done After Frustrating, Injury-Plagued Stint That Fell Short

John Klingberg’s brief tenure with the Edmonton Oilers appears to be coming to an anticlimactic end. Once viewed as a savvy late-season addition with the potential to boost the blue line and provide much-needed offensive spark from the back end, Klingberg’s time in Edmonton has been marred by injury setbacks, inconsistent performances, and ultimately, unmet expectations. Now, all signs point to the veteran defenseman parting ways with the Oilers organization.

For Klingberg, a once highly-regarded offensive defenseman known for his puck-moving ability and power play prowess, the last few seasons have been a winding journey marked by uncertainty. The Swedish blueliner signed a one-year, $4.15 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs last offseason, aiming to re-establish himself as a top-four contributor. However, after injuries and subpar play derailed his stint in Toronto, the Oilers acquired Klingberg’s rights, hoping he could provide depth for their playoff push. But much like his Maple Leafs tenure, his stay in Edmonton has been short, unproductive, and riddled with health concerns.

Klingberg never suited up for a regular-season game with the Oilers, spending his time sidelined while dealing with a nagging hip injury that ultimately required surgery. The 31-year-old defenseman was initially projected to return late in the season, potentially giving Edmonton an extra weapon for the playoffs. But as the postseason rolled on and the Oilers made a deep run, Klingberg remained absent, his status clouded by uncertainty.

Now, reports out of Edmonton suggest the organization has no plans to re-sign Klingberg, whose contract expires this summer, making him an unrestricted free agent. Sources familiar with the team’s offseason plans have indicated that the Oilers intend to prioritize other defensive options, viewing Klingberg’s health situation and inconsistent recent form as too significant a gamble.

It’s a frustrating outcome for both player and organization. When healthy, Klingberg has proven himself capable of contributing offensively from the back end, something Edmonton has consistently sought to complement the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. His ability to quarterback a power play, facilitate zone exits, and join the rush made him an enticing addition on paper. But hockey is a results-driven business, and Klingberg simply couldn’t stay on the ice to provide the impact expected of him.

The unfortunate reality is that Klingberg’s recent seasons have seen a noticeable decline from the form that made him one of the NHL’s premier offensive defensemen during his prime years with the Dallas Stars. After racking up 67 points in 2017-18 and consistently posting solid numbers in the seasons that followed, his production—and durability—began to dip. His struggles in Anaheim during the 2022-23 campaign raised red flags, and while a late-season trade to Minnesota offered a brief resurgence, lingering health issues persisted.

The Oilers gambled on Klingberg, hoping a change of scenery and the allure of playing for a legitimate Stanley Cup contender might reignite his game. Unfortunately, persistent hip problems not only prevented him from suiting up but may now cast a shadow over the remainder of his career.

For Klingberg, the question is whether there will be another opportunity elsewhere. At 31, with his offensive instincts and skating ability theoretically still intact, some teams may express interest, provided his health outlook improves. But in a league trending toward younger, more mobile blueliners and with the salary cap limiting teams’ flexibility, Klingberg faces an uphill battle convincing franchises he can still contribute at a high level.

From Edmonton’s perspective, the decision to move on is understandable. The Oilers boast a strong defensive core led by the likes of Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, and Darnell Nurse, with several promising young players knocking on the door. They reached the Stanley Cup Final this season, falling just short of capturing their first championship since 1990. With limited cap space and clear priorities in bolstering their forward depth and maintaining defensive stability, re-signing Klingberg simply doesn’t fit the puzzle.

In many ways, Klingberg’s situation highlights the harsh reality facing aging players whose careers have been derailed by injuries. What was once an impressive résumé—highlighted by an All-Star appearance, a Calder Trophy nomination, and a reputation as one of the league’s smoothest-skating, most offensively-gifted defensemen—has been overshadowed by questions about durability and defensive lapses.

It’s a tough fall for a player who, not long ago, was viewed as an essential component of Dallas’ blue line, playing significant minutes in high-stakes playoff situations. Klingberg’s ability to control the pace of play, dictate puck movement from the back end, and log heavy minutes made him invaluable during his prime. But as injuries mounted and his defensive deficiencies were exposed, particularly on teams lacking overall structure, his reputation took a hit.

The Oilers hoped that placing Klingberg in a more structured, competitive environment alongside elite talent would allow him to focus on his strengths while masking his weaknesses. But hockey’s physical demands are unforgiving, and without the ability to stay healthy, even the best-laid plans falter.

Looking ahead, Klingberg faces a critical crossroads in his career. His immediate priority remains recovery from hip surgery and proving to potential suitors that he can return to full health. There is precedent for veteran defensemen reviving their careers in the right situation—players like Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns have navigated injury-plagued stretches to re-emerge as contributors on new teams. However, the margin for error is razor-thin, particularly for players whose skill set is heavily reliant on mobility and offensive instincts.

Should Klingberg choose to pursue another NHL opportunity, his options may be limited to short-term, prove-it deals, perhaps with a team in need of veteran leadership or blue line depth. Alternatively, a return to Europe, where he could play a less physically demanding schedule, remains a plausible scenario, especially if NHL teams express reluctance based on his health status.

Regardless of his next move, Klingberg’s time in Edmonton will likely be remembered as a “what if” scenario—what if he had stayed healthy? What if he had been available for the Oilers’ playoff run? What if his offensive spark had translated to tangible results on the ice? Unfortunately, those questions will remain unanswered.

For the Oilers, the focus shifts to solidifying their roster for another championship push. General Manager Ken Holland and the front office face critical decisions in free agency and the trade market, balancing the desire to maintain their core with the need to address areas exposed during their Stanley Cup Final loss. Klingberg’s departure, while disappointing, opens a roster spot and cap space that could be used to pursue more durable, defensively sound options.

In the grand scheme of NHL transactions, some moves simply don’t work out. Klingberg’s brief, uneventful tenure in Edmonton falls into that category. While the union was forged with optimism and the hope of rejuvenation, reality dictated otherwise.

As the NHL offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Klingberg resurfaces, either in North America or abroad. For now, it’s clear that his chapter with the Edmonton Oilers is closing, leaving both player and organization to ponder what could have been, and what comes next.