John Klingberg
This is someone the Carolina Hurricanes organization has been linked with for a long time. John Klingberg has been rumored to be potentially on the move from Dallas. As a pending unrestricted free agent, it’s clear to see that Klingberg’s future is likely to be decided by the unrestricted free agency market. There’s a very large chance that his future lies outside the Lone Star State.
Klingberg is one of the best puck-moving defensemen in the entire league. Capable of playing quarterback on a powerplay, there’s not a lot he cannot do with the puck on his stick. A premier offensive defenseman, Klingberg is capable of the same things as most of the leagues’ elite talents in the offensive zone. Sometimes acting like a fourth forward, he’s capable of adding a lot of offense to the lineup.
However, there is a pimple on this player. As a defenseman, you’d want a player to be great in their own end right? Klingberg… he’s noticeable in his own zone and usually it’s not for a good reason. He’s currently playing in a system set up to help the team be more defensive and he’s still showing issues in his own zone which speaks to how badly his defensive game has deteriorated since he made his debut.
The former 2010 5th round draft selection has been rumored to want a move away from Dallas so he can have a chance at the Cup before he decides where he wants to go for his next major paycheck. It’s very likely that his time in Texas is coming to an end and if the Stars want to get something back for him and avoid losing him for nothing, he could be on the trade market.
If the cost for Klingberg was something like Ethan Bear, a prospect like Zion Nystrom, and a 2nd round selection in the draft, it’s probably a price you accept paying for Klingberg. However, Dallas holds the player’s contract still and they are under no obligations to move on from the big Swedish blueliner. However, another puck-mover like Klingberg on the blueline could help the team if they can find a way to cover his defensive frailties.