Oilers GM Confirms Reports Regarding Oscar Klefbom's Status

We first reported the news six weeks ago, and today Edmonton Oilers general manager, Ken Holland confirmed that Oilers #1 defenseman, Oscar Klefbom will miss the entire 2020-21 NHL season.

Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland confirms Oscar Klefbom will miss the entire 2020-21 season. #LetsGoOilers

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) December 21, 2020

The 27-year-old defenseman was a force for the Oilers last season, collecting 34 points in 62 games and adding two more assists in four playoff games. This leaves a giant hole for the Oilers on the left-side of their defense, and players like Darnell Nurse and Tyson Barrie are going to have to step up and produce.

This chronic shoulder injury for Klefbom will be a massive hurdle for the Swedish born defenseman to overcome and at this point, the 2021-22 season is also in jeopardy.

Hopefully for Oilers fans, the team can rally around the news and get off to a good start in January. 

#Oilers GM & President of Hockey Ops Ken Holland tells @Bob_Stauffer on @OilersNow defenceman Oscar Klefbom is officially out for the 2020-21 season & is hoping to be ready for the start of the 2021-22 campaign.

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 21, 2020

Photo credit:  Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire

No Klefbom for the Oilers this season. His $4.167M cap hit can go on LTIR if the team needs the space to go over the $81.5M cap. Do they pursue a D via trade, explore UFA Vatanen, or give one of their young D a shot? https://t.co/uEwRIHvSEv

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) December 21, 2020