3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for John Klingberg

With NHL training camps just weeks away, free-agent defenseman John Klingberg sits without a contract. It's been a whirlwind few years for the Swedish blueliner as he once rejected a lucrative multi-year contract with the Dallas Stars, wound up in Anaheim with the Ducks for a season and last year, appeared in just 14 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs before a hip injury derailed his season.

Klingberg is looking for a new home and a chance to prove himself that at 32 years old, he's still mobile enough to contribute as an offensive defenseman. Here's three teams he could wind up either signing with or at least getting a PTO for training camp:

Edmonton Oilers

By the sounds of it, the Oilers are going to invite a ton of defenseman to training camp with hopes that one veteran pans out. Klingberg, when healthy, can quarterback a power-play and move the puck with outstanding passing, just don't expect him to be tough to play against in his own end. Klingberg would be an interesting fit in Edmonton as the team is loaded with skill and his offensive skills could be perfectly suited to contribute.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators have a couple of NHL roster slots available and could be in the market for some more internal competition on their back end. Klingberg's best season came back 2019-20 when he posted 32 points in 58 games but then added 21 points in 26 Stanley Cup Playoff games. His agent would sewer him with terrible advice in the years after, however there's still time to catch on with an NHL club for the final few years of his career. Ottawa will add another defenseman or two for training camp, Klingberg could get a look.

Seattle Kraken

Brandon Montour will be running all the power-plays in Seattle next season, however the team doesn't have a ton of depth at the 7/8 d-spots. Klingberg could help boost the Kraken's offense from their back end and at the league minimum or a PTO with no strings attached, it could be the perfectly scenario for both sides as GM Ron Francis has been handing out some bad contracts lately.

At this point it doesn't appear returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs is in the cards.