The Edmonton Oilers officially signed Evander Kane to a one-year deal on January 27, 2022. Well ahead of the trade deadline that season, the Oilers believed what few others did — Kane had something left to give. Weeks later, as Kane began to produce at a regular rate and find instant chemistry with Connor McDavid, 20-plus other teams realized they had made a mistake overlooking him. The deal signed between the Oilers and John Klingberg has a bit of that feel.
The Oilers announced this week (again, well ahead of the deadline) they were inking Klingberg to a one-year deal. Both sides saw this as a good fit, and like Kane, Klingberg is looking to prove he’s got a game left.
The two player’s situations are different. One signed after a controversial series of events, including an investigation into whether or not he breached COVID-19 protocol. That left him on the outs with the San Jose Sharks. The investigation produced “insufficient evidence” to determine a violation knowingly occurred. Klingberg is coming back from lingering injury issues. Teams shied away from him simply because they weren’t sure if he was healthy.
Still, Klingberg’s signing has the potential to be another home run.
Is Klingberg Going to Find Instant Chemistry?
When Kane was signed, there were plenty of detractors. He was too selfish. Kane was problematic in the locker room. He wasn’t the same player… You name it, it got argued. Kane proved almost everyone wrong. Can Klingberg do the same? He doesn’t have that storm brewing like Kane did. But there is a cloud hanging over him when it comes to his most recent surgery.
What made Kane so successful was that he knew how to play with top players. He was, at one time, one of the game’s premier power forwards. Klingberg was, at one time, one of the league’s great offensive defensemen. He was a budding superstar in Dallas. He, too, can play with top players. Now he’ll get the chance.
What If Klingberg’s Signing Works Like Kane’s Did?
Time will tell if this was a smart gamble by the Oilers. No one will know if they saw something few others did for a couple of weeks. But, if it works, 31 other NHL teams may be left with egg on their face. The Oilers are banking on it to the tune of $1.35 million.
If Klingberg meshes with this Oilers team, is he a lock to sign again? Kane tested the market after his one-year deal and wasn’t thrilled with the offers out there. He said he got comfortable in Edmonton and decided to come back. The Oilers were only willing to pay so much but were happy to have him. Injuries have been a storyline since his extension.
Perhaps that’s another similarity and a lesson best learned by the Oilers here. Klingberg may turn out to be a smashing success in Edmonton. Even if he is, an extension shouldn’t be a given. And, if they want him back next year, there should be a ceiling on what they’re willing to pay.
Next: The Swedish Squad: 3 Player’s Role in Klingberg Picking Oilers
