Vancouver Canucks Reportedly Interested in UFA Defenseman John Klingberg After Injury
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The Vancouver Canucks, along with several other teams, are reportedly in the mix to sign unrestricted free agent defenseman John Klingberg.
Back in the summer of 2023, Swedish defenseman John Klingberg inked a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs and the team was hoping he could slot into either a second or third pairing role and potentially on their second powerplay unit.
His time with the Maple Leafs started out strong with five points in six games, but in November, he was placed on long-term injured reserve with a hip injury.
It was then determined that Klingberg needed to undergo hip resurfacing surgery, which ended his season and the Gothenburg native has yet to appear in another game since November of 2023.
After a year-long injury rehab, it looks like John Klingberg is ready to resume his career and the Vancouver Canucks, who have been searching for help on the blueline, appear to be in the mix.
Vancouver Canucks among 5-7 teams interested in John Klingberg
In a social media post on Tuesday, TSN insider Darren Dreger shared that John Klingberg is getting ready for an NHL return, with five to seven teams in the mix to land his services.
"John Klingberg is closing in on resuming his NHL career. Toronto, Ottawa and Edmonton among the teams with expressed interest.
A decision expected in next 2 weeks. Klingberg had hip resurfacing surgery in 2023 and has worked hard to get to this point. 5-7 teams in the mix." Dreger said.
A decision expected in next 2 weeks. Klingberg had hip resurfacing surgery in 2023 and has worked hard to get to this point. 5-7 teams in the mix." Dreger said.
Dreger went on to share that the Vancouver Canucks have kicked tires on John Klingberg, however the club isn't as keen on signing him as others.
"Vancouver among the teams that kicked tires with interest in Klingberg. However, unless something changes, the Canucks aren't as keen as others." Dreger added.
As for what his contract may look like, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period is reporting that it'll likely be a pro-rated one-year deal with a cap hit of $1 million USD.
"Klingberg is likely to sign a pro-rated one-year contract worth around $1 million this season, and could look to extend his deal in the off-season depending on his performance." Pagnotta said.
Klingberg, 32, has appeared in 633 career games since making his NHL debut back in the 2014-15 season with Dallas. The puck-moving defenseman has registered 412 points (81 goals, 331 assists) in those 633 games with the Stars, Ducks, Wild and Maple Leafs.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 14 | 230 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks Reportedly Interested in UFA Defenseman John Klingberg After Injury Should the Vancouver Canucks sign John Klingberg? | ||
| Yes | 81 | 35.2 % |
| No | 149 | 64.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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