Today, at the age of 34-years-old, Swedish veteran defenseman John Klingberg announced his retirement. Although the defensive core last season was disastrous, often hard to watch, Klingberg’s value was not lost on fans of the San Jose Sharks. While his product on the ice was not always spectacular, fans could appreciate his leadership and values off the ice.
The offensive-minded right-handed defenseman from Göteborg had a long, successful career as a staple on the blue line in the NHL. Although he never won the Stanley Cup, he made two Stanley Cup Final appearances. However, following 12 seasons in the NHL, Klingberg was still able to make his mark and his career will be looked back on fondly.
Klingberg was never a highly touted prospect: drafted at 18-years-old out of Sweden 131st overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2010 NHL Draft. In fact, it took him several full seasons before he even made his first North American appearance with the Texas Stars (AHL) for a single playoff game in the 2013 postseason. That one playoff game wasn’t enough, and he was shipped back off to Sweden to join SHL Frölunda HC wearing the “A” on a loan for the majority of the season. Following a great regular season with Frölunda where he scored 28 points (11G, 17A) in 50 games, plus recording four assists in seven regular season games, Klingberg was brought back over to North America at the conclusion of the SHL season. After closing out the final three games of the season with the Texas Stars, notching an assist, Klingberg became a permanent part of the Stars’ organization.
In the 2014-2015 season, Klingberg made a name for himself in 65 games with the Stars tallying an impressive 40 points (11G, 29A). His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie team and the title of January’s Rookie of the Month. Plus, he cemented himself as an important piece of the Stars lineup. Just three seasons later, in the 2017-2018 season, the Stars would give John Klingberg the “A”.
His first season wearing the “A” would end up going down as his best season in the NHL. Playing a full season with 82 games under his belt, Klingberg put up an amazing 67 points (8G, 59A). His 59 assists were the most by an NHL defenseman and he deservingly was named to the NHL All-Star Game. That summer he’d continue his great season by wearing the “A” for Sweden in the World Championship. In the tournament he was named the best defenseman, helping lead Sweden to a gold medal with 6 points (1G, 5A) in 10 games.
Klingberg would end up staying with Dallas as part of their leadership group for several more seasons, until the end of the 2021-2022 season. Due to contract disputes and salary cap issues, John Klingberg and the Dallas Stars parted ways. This parting would seemingly be the beginning of the end for Klingberg. He went on to join the Ducks for the 2022-2023 season, and was great offensively in 50 games with 24 points (8G, 16A), although his -28 was a black eye on his record. In March 2023, he was traded to the Minnesota Wild playing 17 regular season games and tallying 9 points (2G, 7A) plus 4 points (1G, 3A) in as many playoff games.
Following his departure from the Wild he went to the Maple Leafs for the 2023-2024 season, and had five assists but only played 14 games due to a severe hip injury. Struggling to find his place and fully recover from injury, he jumped to the Edmonton Oilers the next season. Again he struggled with his injury, playing only 11 regular season games and scoring 4 points (1G, 3A). He was able to play 19 playoff games, and make his second career Stanley Cup Final appearance, but was not very effective with just 4 points (1G, 3A).
Finally, last season, Klingberg made his way to the San Jose Sharks. While he played 56 games and did record 27 points (10G, 17A), it was clear he was struggling. Frequently faltering protecting the blue line, it’s honestly amazing his +/- was not worse than -13. Although his product on the ice certainly left a lot to be desired, he was exceptionally valuable to the adjustment and growth of the Sharks’ young core.
Now after 700 career games, 443 total points (92G, 351A), two Stanley Cup Final appearances, several World Championship appearances and medals for Sweden, Klingberg is ready to say goodbye to the playing side of hockey. A true leader on and off the ice, Klingberg will be missed throughout the NHL. However, this is not the end for his career in the hockey world as he has made it clear he intends to join the broadcasting field in Sweden. When one chapter ends, another begins. Best of luck to John Klingberg in his next step.
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