Dallas Stars Defenseman Set to Hit Open Market

Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg went through an up and down season with most of the attention coming off the ice. Klingberg was candid throughout the season and mentioned at one point he didn't feel appreciated by the Stars after they low-ball offered him an extension mid-season. Turns out now he's set to hit the open market July 13.

Klingberg spoke to the media before cleaning out his dressing room stall and had this to say to Taylor Baird of NHL.com:

At the end of the day, I always want to stay here. This is the only team I've been talking to, obviously. With (Stars general manager Jim Nill), and on our side, we've been trying to find different ways to get it done. Year length, money-wise, just trying to get something we're both happy with.

The mobile defenseman has spent eight seasons in Dallas and was a former fifth-round pick in 2010. In 552 career games he's tallied 71 goals and 303 assists in Big D. Stars GM Jim Nill spoke about his interest in keeping Klingberg with the Stars, but it certainly sounds like the market will be tested first:

John has an opportunity to be a free agent, and I don't blame him. He's got to look after his family. He'll see what the market is, and we'll see what the market is and get a feel for that and see if it's a fit for both parties. It all depends on term and money. He knows where we're at, I know where he's at.

Look for Klingberg to be a lot of team's 'plan B' after they discuss a contract with free-agent defenseman Kris Letang.