The Anaheim Ducks signed free agent, defenceman John Klingberg to a one-year, $7 million contract that runs through the 2022-23 season.
**Breaking News** 🚨📰
I’m told the @AnaheimDucks are closing in on a 1Yr Contract in neighborhood of 7M for UFA D John Klingberg formerly of @DallasStars .
@espn @NHLNetwork @NHL #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/bzzf9G6YIn— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) July 29, 2022
John Klingberg Signs Contract As Free Agent
Over his eight-year NHL career Klingberg has only played for the Dallas Stars. He has put up 71 goals and 303 assists for 374 career points in 552 career games. He was originally drafted in the fifth round, 131st overall of the 2010 NHL draft by Dallas. Klingberg is coming off a seven-year, 4.25 million dollar deal that he signed in 2015 with the Stars. The 29-year-old was a contender for the Lady Byng and Norris Trophy for multiple years. During his time with the Stars, they went to the playoffs four times, including the Stanley Cup Final.
What Klingberg Brings to the Table
The elite defenceman is coming off a down year; he did not produce offensively and wasn’t as defensively sound as in previous years. But what Klingberg brings to the table is something that is not matched by most. His ability to walk the blue line and buy himself time to set up plays is what most teams are after. He has been the staple for the Stars’ defence for the majority of his time with the organization. Klingberg also has the ability to be clutch at the most perfect time, scoring 25 game-winning-goals in his time with Dallas.
Despite not being known as a physical player, Klingberg really stepped up during the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a more physical game, including a few scrums. At the time, this gave his team something to get them going. That is a sign that he is moving more into a veteran and leadership role. At 29, the transition into a leader is imperative for any successful hockey player. Big things to come for the Swede as he moves into a new contract as a well-rounded player.
Main Photo:
