Dallas Stars Having Extension Talks With Key Defenseman

According to NHL.com senior staff writer Mike Heika, the Dallas Stars are having extension talks with defenseman John Klingberg. He is in the final year of his contract and will be eligible for unrestricted free agency next off-season.

The Stars already finished a massive task when they signed Miro Heiskanen to an eight-year extension, but now it is time to focus on Klingberg. Klingberg has been an integral part of the Stars' blueline for seven seasons now. His ability to provide a high degree of offense from the point meshes well with his reliable defensive play. This is the type of player they need to keep around for the long-term.

In 53 games this past season, the 29-year-old scored seven goals and had 36 points. It was yet again another strong offensive season for the defenseman, much like it has been throughout his entire career. In 478 career games, he has scored 65 goals and recorded 327 points. His career-high in points came during the 2017-18 season when he had 67 points in 82 games.

With all the success he has had, the Stars will have to give him a hefty raise to keep him. It also is important to remember that this off-season has given top-pair defenseman monstrous contracts. If a Klingberg extension comes into fruition, expect it to follow that pattern.