As free agency opens at 12:00 EST today, the Hurricanes have been linked to a variety of talent across the league. After the departure of Tony DeAngelo, a number one defenseman to pair with Jaccob Slavin is a top priority. A recent tweet by Jeff Marek has the Hurricanes, Red Wings, and Kraken in the running for the 29 year old defenseman from Dallas, John Klingberg.
How can John Klingberg help the Canes?
Klingberg, in the 2021-2022 season with the Dallas stars, led the defense unit in points with 47. His ability to distribute the puck on the defensive end both in even play and on the power play is something that the Canes will need to find after the departure of DeAngelo. Carolina potentially acquiring someone with his offensive skillset at the blue line can help make another deep playoff run this year.
His ability to quarterback the power play is another benefit that the Canes would love to exploit if he chooses to come to Raleigh. Out of his 41 assists, 19 of them came from the power play, which will help to keep Carolina’s power play success near the top of the league for another year.
One of the most exciting players surrounding free agency has the potential to land in Raleigh to bolster the defense that is led by Jaccob Slavin. Coming off a seven year deal with Dallas at $4.25 million AAV, we can expect him wanting a lucrative deal with the next team that signs him, from anywhere between $6-7 million AAV.
Klingberg has been linked to Carolina in the past, most recently around the trade deadline of this past season. The ability to obtain Klingberg in free agency without having to give up anybody is incredibly beneficial in Waddell’s goal to not tinker with the roster too much. Having two star defensemen on the first unit for the Canes can help developing players like Jalen Chatfield to improve and solidify his role as a consistent defender for the Hurricanes.
As Carolina appears to be pushing heavily for a defenseman, and with free agency begins today, we will be excited to keep an eye out for moves made by general manager Don Waddell. Out of the options available for Klingberg, it isn’t too unlikely that he would choose Carolina over Detroit and Seattle. With being atop of the Metropolitan division in last season, the Carolina Hurricanes seem to be an ideal destination for anybody looking to win the Stanley Cup in the near future.