Vancouver Canucks Reportedly Interested in UFA Defenseman John Klingberg After Injury
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 Toronto 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.
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.
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, 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.
