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Front-Runners Emerge In John Klingberg Sweepstakes: Which Is The Best Fit?

John Klingberg<p>Jerome Miron-Imagn Images</p>
John Klingberg

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The possible NHL comeback of defenseman John Klingberg had new developments this week.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, TSN's Darren Dreger reported that five to seven teams are interested in Klingberg. The Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators are among those clubs.

Dreger added the Vancouver Canucks to the mix but said that they might be less serious about the signing than some other teams.

On Wednesday, Dreger added the Stars and Avalanche to the mix.

Which team seems most likely to grab Klingberg? Here's a closer look.

The Edmonton Oilers Are Reportedly Front-Runners

As per the 2 Mutts Podcast, which has a hit-and-miss history with breaking Oilers news, the Oilers are front-runners in the Klingberg sweepstakes.

"Klingberg would be paired up with (Darnell) Nurse, and he would get the opportunity to play on the power play as well," the podcast's X account wrote.

Dreger noted some feel the Oilers are a primary target, but he said it's too soon to say.

Bringing in Klingberg and not giving up any draft picks or young players in a trade can be a big benefit. He’s a free-agent signing who can play in the top four. It’s hard to find those players right now.

Ryan Rishaug of TSN speculated the Oilers might like the idea of pushing Klingberg's cap hit to next season via performance bonuses, which exist because Klingberg has played 400-plus games and is coming off an injury that exceeded 100 days.

It's unclear whether Klingberg is the perfect fit for the Oilers, however.

"If you're counting on him to be a third-pair offensive specialist, that seems plausible," former hockey writer Jonathan Willis wrote on social media. "Don't expect more, and be ready for less."

Related: Edmonton Oilers May Need To Make Tough Trade Decisions In 2025

A Return To The Toronto Maple Leafs?

The last team Klingberg played for was the Toronto Maple Leafs. He posted five assists in 14 games.

It didn't quite work out as the Leafs had hoped, but there were signs he could work with Morgan Rielly, potentially easing the burden of quarterbacking the power play. That's an issue for the team this season, and if Toronto is looking at Klingberg, they must be thinking about rolling back that experiment.

Klingberg likely won't be expensive, and while his stay there was short-lived due to injury, he knows the system and the expectations. If he can come in and perform well by turning that power-play unit around, he might attract attention from other NHL clubs, which will be important for Klingberg if he intends to resume his playing career beyond this season.

Related: 'It’s Not Three Games, Willy — It’s Eight Years': Why Ignoring The Boos Is The Wrong Approach For The Maple Leafs

Why The Ottawa Senators?

Speaking with the media on Sunday, Senators GM Steve Staios said it was nice to be discussing possibly adding rather than just selling. He said that if he could add to the roster to help his team make the playoffs, he would try to do so but is focusing on internal options for now. Klingberg might not be a superstar, but he could be useful.

The issue for the Senators is that if Klingberg receives similar offers from them, the Maple Leafs and the Oilers, the other two squads are virtual locks to make the playoffs. The Senators are in the mix for a wild-card spot in the East, but nevertheless, their playoff chances aren't as strong as the other squads.

Related: Do The Ottawa Senators Need Help To Win The Wild-Card Battle?

Vancouver Canucks Don't Need More Question Marks

There are probably a couple of solid reasons why the Canucks may not be as keen on signing Klingberg.

First, the Canucks have drama surrounding the team with the Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller rift. A trade to stop the saga can't be ruled out.

Signing Klingberg might offer a slight distraction, but if it doesn't work out, the Canucks will take even more heat for the way they're operating their club this season.

What the Canucks want is a legit defenseman who can play with the team this season and next. The best Klingberg would be is an experiment. If that experiment fails and the Canucks miss the playoffs, their fans may have a field day with the results.

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