Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
defense veteran John Klingberg is looking to make an NHL comebackaccording to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.
Per Friedman, Klingberg – who missed most of last season after hip surgery – is expected to resume skating with the minor hockey team and hopes to join the NHL team at the end of January.
Although Klingberg’s foray into major league hockey hasn’t been smooth sailing – he had five assists in 14 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season – Klingberg hopes to do better this year.
The 32-year-old is a prolific defenseman with 412 points in 633 games, and didn’t record fewer than 32 points in any season before 2023-24.
Let’s give him a few possible destinations below if he makes a successful return.
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have been a proving ground for several players — including D-man Timothy Liljegren and forward Ty Dellandrea — and Klingberg could sign with San Jose and try to rebuild his NHL career without much of a media-driven or fan-driven spotlight.
If the best-case scenario happens and Klingberg thrives with the Sharks, he could be thrown to a Stanley Cup contender for opportunities and draft picks. The Sharks have more than enough salary cap space to bring in Klingberg, but the Swede won’t break the bank on any new contract he signs.
Klingberg won’t carry as much offense as he once did, but in the right situation, Klingberg could be a cheap option who could be a solid Stanley Cup contender. The road to that state may require a pit stop in a place like San Jose.
Chicago Blackhawks
Similar to San Jose, the Blackhawks will not be able to make the playoffs this year. But, their defense systems need all the help they can get.
Chicago’s top-scoring defenseman, Alex Vlasic, has 16 points in 34 games. They don’t have a blueliner with more than two goals scored, or Seth Jones with two points in 18 games in an injury-shortened campaign.
Klingberg could easily fit in on the right side of the defense and could make himself an asset before the NHL’s March 7 trade deadline.
Related: Connor Bedard Is In Promising 100-Game Company And Thriving Under New Blackhawks Coach
Even if a contender doesn’t end up getting Klingberg, he can prove his worth in Chicago and be a veteran who can get the most out of his younger teammates while extending his NHL career.
The Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings weren’t afraid to sign an older, former player to come in and help them try to get into the postseason — see Patrick Kane for proof — and Klingberg may see Detroit as his best shot at playoff hockey. without being traded after he signed with the team.
The Wings are on the brink of a playoff run right now. But if Klingberg is healthy, he might be able to present an adequate case – at a very low price that matches Detroit’s cap situation – putting the Red Wings on top of their race for a postseason berth.
Related: Will Red Wings’ Inability to Win Make Buyers or Sellers Last Time?
Finding someone with experience behind the scenes isn’t easy, but if Klingberg chooses the Wings as the team he wants to play for in his quest for redemption, Detroit could end up benefiting from the next trade — or Klingberg could help them find one. playground.
Get the latest news and trending stories in your inbox by signing up for the Hockey Newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by by visiting our forum.
