Canucks Not as Keen on Klingberg Return as 3 Other Teams

After Darren Dreger reported on Tuesday morning that the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators were among the half-dozen teams looking at John Klingberg, the NHL insider offered another update. He added, “Vancouver among the teams that kicked tires with interest in Klingberg. However, unless something changes, the Canucks aren’t as keen as others.”

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It’s an interesting development to learn that the Canucks were interested, but also intriguing to hear they’re not as interested as the others. Considering the Canucks could potentially use a defenseman more than the Oilers, Leafs, or Senators, that they aren’t all that serious is fascinating.

The Canucks have been searching for a defenseman all season. And, when Filip Hronek went down to an injury and it was determined the signing of Vincent Desharnais wasn’t going to pan out as hoped, the need for someone to join a blue group that had Quinn Hughes became a priority. Speculation is that Vancouver has been scouring the trade market for months, trying to find a trade that would work.

Ideally, their target is a defender who can puck mover and play in the top four. That’s exactly they type of defender Klingberg used to be.

Why Wouldn’t the Canucks Go For Klingberg?

There have been questions about his defensive acumen throughout most of his career, and that could be concerning teams. Not only that, but he’s older, slower, and coming off a serious injury. It’s hard to know how effective he’ll be.

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If the Canucks are looking for a permanent solution, the best Klingberg could be is a calculated risk. He won’t be expensive, but he might not pan out. If he becomes a rental and doesn’t show well enough to earn a contract, that’s not really what the Canucks are after.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Flames and Oilers Win, Matthews…