One defenceman is off the market. The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenceman John Klingberg to the Minnesota Wild. In exchange, the Ducks will receive a fourth-round draft pick in 2025, Andrej Sustr and the rights to Nikita Nesterenko. Klingberg is a pending unrestricted free agent after signing for just one season this past off-season. Overall this was great asset management by Pat Verbeek. Anaheim will also retain 50% of Klingberg’s salary.
John Klingberg return: #mnwild sending 4th in 2025, Andrej Sustr and rights to Nesterenko. Ducks retaining half the salary of Klingberg.
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) March 3, 2023
John Klingberg Traded by Anaheim Ducks
It was a matter of if not when we would see a John Klingberg trade. After being willing to gamble on himself after not receiving a longer-term deal, he signed a one-year prove-it deal. It was the ideal situation for both Klingerg and the team. However, Klingberg is having a down season compared to his Dallas Stars days but is a great addition to the blue line.
How Klingberg Will Impact His New Team
Now that the John Klingberg trade is official, the team will reap the benefits. Klingberg is a solid top-four defenceman that can eat large minutes. He averages 21:02 minutes per game, and that goes a long way for a team needing depth. Klingberg has been known for his production and led all-Stars blueliners in points. This year is underwhelming for him, but so is the team he was on in Anaheim. Klingberg can also slot in on the powerplay and be a boost offensively that way as well.
How This Trade Impacts Anaheim
There will be pain before there is a joy for this club. The John Klingberg trade just signals how far away they are from competing. Anaheim is a bottom-feeder of a team and recouping any assets possible was a smart move. This scenario was a win-win situation for both parties as they got what they needed from one another. Even though Klingberg is on the move, there is always a chance he can be brought back this summer. Anaheim is rebuilding and they are among the favourites for Connor Bedard.
Picture credit: Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports
