What can the Edmonton Oilers anticipate from John Klingberg, their new defenseman?

The Edmonton Oilers made headlines during the off-season with the signing of John Klingberg, a skilled offensive defenseman known for his puck-moving ability and power-play contributions. The Oilers, a team that has boasted some of the most potent offensive players in the league, have long been seeking a solution to strengthen their defense. With the acquisition of Klingberg, the team is hoping to balance out its high-powered offense with a more effective and reliable defensive corps. As the Oilers gear up for the 2025 season, much of the focus is on how Klingberg will fit into their system and what kind of impact he will have on their quest for a Stanley Cup.

In this article, we will explore what the Oilers can anticipate from their new defenseman, John Klingberg, and how he might contribute to the team’s success. We will analyze his strengths, potential weaknesses, and how he can help improve the Oilers’ overall defensive play. Additionally, we will take a closer look at the areas where Klingberg could have the most significant impact and how he might help complement the team’s offensive firepower.

Who is John Klingberg? A Quick Overview of His Career

Before diving into the potential contributions Klingberg can make to the Oilers, it is important to understand the type of player the team has added. John Klingberg, a Swedish-born defenseman, entered the NHL in the 2014-2015 season with the Dallas Stars. Over the years, Klingberg has built a reputation as an offensive-minded blueliner with the ability to move the puck effectively, quarterback a power play, and contribute offensively. His best years came with Dallas, where he consistently posted high point totals for a defenseman, using his skating ability and vision to control the play.

Klingberg has been known for his ability to generate offense from the back end, recording significant assists, and being a constant threat on the power play. He has played in over 500 NHL games, amassing over 60 goals and over 250 assists in his career. One of his standout seasons came in 2017-2018 when he posted a career-high 67 points, showcasing his playmaking skills and ability to generate offense from the blue line.

In the 2024-2025 offseason, Klingberg signed with the Edmonton Oilers after spending the previous season with the Anaheim Ducks. While his time with Anaheim was marked by both positives and challenges, his offensive upside was undeniable, and his reputation as a puck-moving defenseman was seen as a perfect fit for the Oilers’ high-powered offense.

Klingberg’s Strengths: What He Brings to the Oilers

There are several key strengths that the Oilers will look to capitalize on in Klingberg’s game. These qualities make him an intriguing addition to the team and suggest that he could help elevate the Oilers’ performance both in transition and on special teams.

1. Offensive Prowess: A Puck-Mover with Vision

One of Klingberg’s most prominent attributes is his offensive ability. He is a dynamic puck-moving defenseman with excellent vision and hockey IQ. Klingberg is a master at carrying the puck out of his own zone and transitioning quickly to offense. His skating ability allows him to elude forecheckers and make quick decisions under pressure. When he has the puck, he has the awareness to find lanes and deliver crisp passes to set up offensive plays.

The Oilers, who already possess a dangerous offensive unit led by Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, will benefit greatly from Klingberg’s ability to move the puck efficiently. His style of play will complement the fast-paced, transition-heavy game that the Oilers thrive on. Klingberg’s vision and passing ability could lead to more controlled zone exits, clean entries into the offensive zone, and overall better puck management, which would allow the Oilers to dictate play more effectively.

Klingberg’s offensive contributions are not limited to even-strength play. He is also a skilled quarterback on the power play, a critical area for the Oilers, who rely heavily on their power-play unit. Klingberg’s ability to orchestrate the power play and make accurate, timely passes will be a huge asset for a team that boasts elite talent in the form of McDavid and Draisaitl. His ability to walk the blue line, distribute the puck, and create shooting lanes could help boost the Oilers’ already lethal power play.

2. Power Play Quarterbacking

As mentioned, Klingberg’s experience and success as a power-play quarterback are integral to what he brings to the Oilers. The Oilers already feature one of the NHL’s top power plays, largely thanks to the talents of McDavid and Draisaitl. Adding Klingberg to the mix provides the team with another layer of offensive depth and flexibility.

Klingberg’s ability to move the puck quickly and accurately from the blue line, along with his calm demeanor under pressure, makes him an excellent quarterback for the power play. He is capable of making seam passes, setting up one-timers, and contributing with the occasional slap shot. His versatility on the man advantage will make it harder for opposing penalty kills to predict and react to the Oilers’ power play.

Given the Oilers’ high-scoring forward group, Klingberg will be able to feed the puck to players like McDavid, Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman in prime scoring areas, potentially leading to more high-quality chances on the power play.

3. Consistency in Offensive Zone Entries and Breakouts

One of the issues that many teams face, including the Oilers at times, is maintaining consistency when moving the puck out of their own zone and transitioning to offense. With a player like Klingberg on the ice, the Oilers are more likely to break out cleanly and efficiently. Klingberg’s skating and puck-handling skills make him a top-tier option to carry the puck up the ice or make an effective first pass to start the breakout.

His ability to pick the right options under pressure will also help the Oilers sustain offensive zone time. Instead of forcing a rushed play or a turnover, Klingberg will be able to make quick, effective decisions that keep the puck moving forward and allow the Oilers to dictate the tempo.

4. Leadership and Experience

Klingberg’s experience is another key asset that the Oilers can rely on. As a seasoned NHL veteran, he has seen it all—playoff runs, ups and downs, and the pressure of competing in the league’s most competitive division. He brings a calming influence to the back end and has the ability to mentor younger players. This will be especially important for Oilers defensemen such as Evan Bouchard and Cody Ceci, who will benefit from Klingberg’s experience in big-game situations.

Klingberg is also known for his maturity and professionalism off the ice, making him a strong addition to the team’s leadership group. Having another veteran presence on the blue line can only help the Oilers’ overall defensive cohesion, particularly as they continue to chase the elusive Stanley Cup.

Klingberg’s Potential Weaknesses: Areas to Watch

While Klingberg brings many strengths to the Oilers, there are also some potential weaknesses and areas for improvement that the team will need to manage carefully.

1. Defensive Play and Turnovers

Klingberg’s offensive skill set often comes at the expense of his defensive play. While he is capable of being a reliable two-way defenseman, his defensive zone coverage has sometimes been criticized. Klingberg has a tendency to focus more on generating offense than on locking down his own zone, which can result in turnovers or defensive lapses.

For the Oilers, who already struggle at times with defensive consistency, Klingberg’s presence on the back end could potentially expose them to more risks if he is caught out of position. The coaching staff will need to emphasize defensive awareness and work on mitigating any costly turnovers in the neutral zone or the defensive zone.

2. Physical Play and Penalty Troubles

While Klingberg is a skilled player, he is not known for his physicality. In a tough division like the Pacific, where teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings thrive on physicality and grinding play, Klingberg may be at a disadvantage. His lack of physical play could leave him vulnerable to opposing forwards in board battles or front-of-the-net situations.

Additionally, Klingberg has had moments in the past where he’s taken unnecessary penalties. The Oilers will need to ensure that Klingberg plays a disciplined game and does not cost the team with undisciplined penalties, especially in key moments.

 A Critical Addition to the Oilers’ Blue Line

The addition of John Klingberg to the Edmonton Oilers is a significant one, offering the team a dynamic offensive defenseman who can contribute in a variety of areas. His ability to move the puck, quarterback the power play, and contribute to offensive zone play will be invaluable for a team that relies on high-scoring forwards like McDavid and Draisaitl.

While Klingberg’s defensive play and physicality may not be his strongest suit, his offensive talents more than make up for it, and with the right coaching and system, he can become a crucial piece of the Oilers’ blue-line corps. His leadership and experience will also help stabilize a defensive unit that has seen some inconsistency in recent years.

The Oilers have a clear vision of contending for the Stanley Cup, and with Klingberg’s addition, they have taken a step closer to solidifying a balanced team that can both score and defend effectively. The key to success will be finding the right balance between his offensive contributions and ensuring that his defensive play remains strong enough to support the team’s overall goals. If Klingberg can find that balance, the Oilers will be a formidable team in both the regular season and the postseason.