3 Free-Agent Destinations for RHD John Klingberg

NHL training camps are right around the corner and there's plenty of talent left on the free-agent market, looking for work for next season. John Klingberg continues to be one of the best defencemen left on the open market, and while the contract offers haven't been pouring in this summer, Klingberg's NHL experience is still attractive to a number of teams looking to fill out their roster.

Klingberg, 34, is coming off a very inconsistent season, appearing in 56 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, scoring 10 goals and 17 assists, for 27 points, while averaging 20:28 of ice-time per game. Klingberg's a mobile right-handed blueliner, who can join the rush, make the first pass, and be a quarterback option for a team's second power-play unit. He's not a shutdown defender, physical, or tough to play against in any stretch, so any onlooking team will have to take the good, with some bad.

Klingberg's very likely going to sign a one-year deal, likely around $1-2 million AAV, and while the Sharks have moved on to Jacob Trouba and Darnell Nurse instead this summer, Klingberg's going to sign and attend a training camp next month.

As far as destinations go, the Philadelphia Flyers have kicked tires and are looking for depth defencemen, so Klingberg could wind up in Philly. There's the Anaheim Ducks, who are very familiar with Klingberg's game as he spent part of the 2022-23 season in Anaheim. The Ducks need to figure out their cap situation first, as Cutter Gauthier wants a massive pay raise, and they've already had to pay Leo Carlsson $18 million a year. Look for the Ducks to move out a veteran winger, and perhaps circle back on Klingberg, once they have a little bit of wiggle room under the cap.

Lastly, the Carolina Hurricanes have circled in on Klingberg in the past, and like to have right-handed power-play options. The 'Canes have $9.8 million in cap space and are certainly a favorite to sign Klingberg at this point this summer.

Klingberg's being patient looking for his next contract. Yes, he has his flaws, but experience, and offensive upside like his don't come around too often, especially at a discounted rate. Klingberg's appeared in 700 career NHL games, scoring 92 goals, 351 assists, for 443 points.