John Klingberg is showing signs of his earlier form with the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL playoffs, a development following significant hip surgery. His improved play provides a boost to the Oilers defense, which is dealing with injuries to key players.
Klingberg's performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference Second Round against the Golden Knights highlighted his contributions. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch noted the value Klingberg brings to the team's blue line.
The defenseman underwent dual hip resurfacing surgery in December 2023, which sidelined him for 13 months. He joined Edmonton in January and played in 11 regular-season games before the playoffs.
His recent mobility and passing ability on the ice draw comparisons to his play when he was a top defenseman earlier in his career. Adam Henrique, who played with Klingberg previously, observed a clear difference in his recent games.Klingberg spent his first eight NHL seasons with the Dallas Stars after being selected in the 2010 draft. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie team in 2015 and recorded a career-high 67 points in the 2017-18 season. The Dallas Stars Roster during those years included Klingberg prominently on their defense.Following his departure from Dallas, injuries affected his performance, leading him to play for four different teams over four seasons and never appearing in more than 50 games. Tyler Seguin, a former teammate in Dallas, understands the challenges of returning from significant injury.
Edmonton inserted Klingberg into the lineup during their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings. He has helped stabilize the defensive group, particularly with top defender Mattias Ekholm currently injured. The pairing of Jake Walman and Klingberg also saw time together in the series against the Kings, contributing positively at five-on-five.Forward Zach Hyman, who has played against Klingberg for years, noted the change in his movement. He described Klingberg at his best as hard to read because his hips opened in various directions, making his feet unpredictable.
Klingberg indicated he feels more comfortable with his movement on the ice and believes it is getting better with each week.
āI feel like it's just getting better and better,ā Klingberg said after Game 1.
