It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the Christmas holiday and some players are hoping for the gift of a new team to call home. Injuries and other factors may have gotten in the way. However, these players are looking to latch on with an NHL team for a new opportunity. This edition of NHL rumours focusing in on a veteran blueliner looking for a new team.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Swedish Defenceman Seeking New Team
Rumour: On the latest edition of Saturday’s Headlines segment of Hockey Night Canada, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said John Klingberg is hoping for an NHL return.
Saturday Headlines: Miller & Pettersson/Klingberg/OHL welcomes two USHL teams, but USA Hockey yet to approvehttps://t.co/N2MYzGo5te
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 22, 2024
Analysis: Klingberg spent last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, he struggled during his tenure with the club. The Swedish blueliner signed a one-year pact worth $4.15 million last season with the Leafs. However, he registered only four points with the club.
Hip issues caused Klingberg to shut it down and he is currently an unrestricted free agent. The 32-year-old had the same surgery that Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane had. According to Friedman, he’s skating with the same people that assisted Kane in his recovery.
Klingberg had been a standout defender in his time with the Dallas Stars and even got some Norris Trophy votes in a couple of seasons. However, stints with the Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild and Leafs were less successful.
Getting Started Again
The Gothenburg, Sweden native is looking to join an NHL roster after Christmas according to Friedman. However, he mentioned that it would likely be closer to the end of January before Klingberg would likely be ready to sign with a club.
In the meantime, Klingberg will be skating with a junior team to get back into shape. He’ll need some time to get into playing shape. One can’t expect him to jump back into the lineup after a long layoff and a major surgery. It’s possible that Klingberg could take a conditioning stint in the AHL
The long road back is difficult for players, but there is some hope after seeing a recent return of a longtime NHL veteran. Matt Murray made his way back to the NHL after 629 days due to double hip surgery. Murray earned the win on Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres after a number of setbacks.
What It Means
The returns of Kane and Murray give hope to players that have face long layoffs due to these surgeries. Kane had a great season with Detroit last season and Murray got the win in his first start back.
We won’t know how things will play out for Klingberg. However, he was a solid offensive defenceman when he was healthy. However, there could still be some trepidation from teams about signing him.
One wonders what Klingberg’s salary demands will be, but it’s likely he just wants to get his foot back in the door. A strong season from the Swede could give him a shot at a deal with more money or a decent term to it.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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