Yahoo Sports Newest Oiler Expected To Make Debut Against Red Wings
The John Klingberg era has begun.
After a few weeks of getting up to game speed in practice, the Oilers' newest defenceman is set to enter the lineup tonight as they face the Detroit Red Wings. It'll be the 32-year-old's first NHL game since November 11th, 2023, with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
According to @EdmontonOilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch...
John Klingberg is expected to play— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) January 30, 2025
The Oilers have a lot riding on Klingberg's debut. In his heyday, he was an elite offensive defenceman, a slick puck-mover, and a powerplay quarterback with just enough defence to get by. But that was years ago, and he's struggled to keep up defensively in recent years.
The hope, then, is that the hip-resurfacing surgery he underwent last year alleviates his mobility issues and can get him to even 80% of what he once was. If that's the case, the Oilers just added a top-four defenceman on a bargain deal.
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Klingberg, for his part, says he feels better than ever.
"I feel incredible, I have way more motion," Klingberg told reporters after his first practice with the team. "[Hip pain] has always been there throughout my career, it got to the point last year where there was no way I could play another 80 games."
"I'm happy [I got the surgery], I feel so much better," Klingberg added. "So much more motion, and no pain."
While we don't yet know where Klingberg will slot in on the Oilers' blueline, the expectation is that he'll spend most of his time on the second pair next to Darnell Nurse. He could also take Troy Stecher's spot, rotating between the second and third pairs along with Brett Kulak.
He'll make his Oilers debut against the Detroit Red Wings, a team they've had plenty of success against recently. Edmonton has won five of its last six matchups with Detroit, including an overtime win in Detroit earlier this season on October 27th.
The Oilers are also fighting to keep their place atop the Pacific Division, where they're tied with the Vegas Golden Knights with a game in hand. Vegas takes on the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight, one of several teams fighting with Detroit for an Eastern Conference wild-card berth.
The puck drops between the Oilers and Red Wings at 7:00 PM at Rogers Place.
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