The Edmonton Oilers have added a new defender to the mix.
The Edmonton Oilers have added a new defender to the mix.
EDMONTON -- See a need, fill a need.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F2o-upIoyE[/embed]
That's a great philosophy to have in life and when you are a GM of a hockey team.
Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman has identified a need for his team and has taken a big step to filing it. The roster at his disposal does not contain three regular right-handed defenders.
He's fixed that.
The team has announced that it will be signing free agent John Klingberg to a one-year contract.
Klingberg is an offensively-minded defender who just so happens to be right-handed. He has excellent puck skills and is a great skater.
He's also just coming off of a hip resurfacing surgery he underwent in 2023. That put an end to his short-lived stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played 14 games with the franchise, recording five assists while playing 20:33 a night.
The 32-year-old Swede is no stranger to playing a lot of minutes. Over his 633-game career, he has averaged 22:41. Besides the Maple Leafs, he has played with the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild.
He will join the likes of Evan Bouchard, Troy Stecher, Ty Emberson, and Josh Brown on the right side. We likely see a corresponding move today or tomorrow where Brown will be sent down to the Bakersfield Condors.
Darren Dreger reports a $1 million contract for Klingberg and that bonuses will be included in the deal. Puckpedia is showing a $350,000 signing bonus for the Swedish defender. Because the bonus is signed in the middle of the season, it is prorated based on how many days remain in the season.
Therefore, the bonus is virtually doubled because the season is about half over. That is why Puckpedia is showing his cap hit this season as $1.738 million instead of $1.35 million.
Klingberg's experience will be a welcome addition to the Oilers. I have previously identified an issue with the defense, and the Oilers newest addition certainly appears to be an attempt to rectify that situation.
Now Oil Country waits to see how much of a fit Klingberg is.
[gallery ids="320,321,194,281,298,173,322,323"]
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Add us to your Google News favorites, and never miss a story.
Related: Former Oiler Ryan McLeod Makes History
Related: Oilers Must Sign Newest Defender Right Now
Related: Oilers' Projected Lineup: Skinner Scratched, Ekholm Doubtful