Is Giving John Klingberg a PTO Worth It for an All-In NHL Team?

A recent Yahoo Sports article showed that John Klingberg is still out there as a right-shot defenceman who could help several teams. The former All-Star defenceman is available to a team willing to take a flyer on him, including the Montreal Canadiens.

Despite posting middle-of-the-pack numbers in both goals for and goals against during the regular season, the Canadiens made an impressive run to the Eastern Conference Final. Their postseason ended at the hands of the Hurricanes, who went on to win the Stanley Cup, and the gap between the two teams was clear throughout the series.

Montreal recorded a 2.95 goals-against average compared to Carolina’s 2.05, while also being outscored 18–11. The disparity extended to puck possession and offensive pressure, with the Hurricanes averaging 33.4 shots per game versus just 17.8 for the Canadiens. The difference was significant and underscored how far Montreal still had to go to match an elite contender. Some shots from the point might have helped.

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Klingberg’s Career Demonstrates Strong Offensive Skills and Durability

Klingberg began his career in Dallas and was a solid point producer who helped anchor that Stars blueline. He played seasons of 76, 80, and 82 games before dropping to 64 in 2018-19. He had 67 points in 2018-19, the best of his career.

In 2019-20, he played 58 games, but that season was cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was a standout when the season resumed, though, as Dallas reached the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2020 playoff bubble. He had 21 points in 26 games for Dallas.

When a contract dispute made Klingberg a free agent after 2021-22, he moved to Anaheim and signed a one-year deal with the Ducks. The Ducks traded him to the Minnesota Wild at the 2023 trade deadline.

After landing with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023, Klingberg’s health took a bad turn when he had season-ending hip surgery. No team would sign him until January of 2025, when he went to the Edmonton Oilers. This hip injury and surgery could still be a concern for many teams, who believe it might lead to a big drop in production and durability in the regular season and playoffs should it flare up again.

Klingberg played last season in San Jose on a one-year, four million deal. They elected not to bring him back this summer.

What Other Teams Does Klingberg Get a Chance With?

Klingberg could be a strong fit for the Canadiens, both as a contributor on the ice and as a mentor to young talents like Lane Hutson. His experience would also add valuable playoff depth if the Canadiens make another deep run, potentially reaching the Conference Final or beyond. That said, Montreal isn’t the only team that could benefit from signing the veteran blueliner.

Looking at last season’s defensive struggles, the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs stand out. Vancouver allowed a league-high 316 goals against, while Toronto wasn’t far behind at 295. However, the Canucks have already made significant changes to their blue line, trading Marcus Pettersson and adding Luke Schenn and Jamie Oleksiak. With the organization also signaling a rebuild, it’s unlikely they would commit to a player like Klingberg, who could command upwards of $4 million on a one-year deal—an expensive price for a depth defenseman on a non-contending team.

Toronto presents a more intriguing option. Klingberg has history with the Maple Leafs, though his previous stint was derailed by injury. While he could provide value in a sheltered role, the question remains whether Toronto is willing to invest in him again.

Another strong candidate is the Buffalo Sabres. After winning the Atlantic Division with 109 points, Buffalo was eliminated by Montreal in a tightly contested seven-game second-round series. The Sabres allowed 240 goals during the regular season and already boast a solid defensive core led by Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. They just moved Bowen Byram, so adding Klingberg as a depth option could provide experience, puck-moving ability, and secondary offense without requiring him to take on a top-pairing role.

Klingberg on a Contender in a Limited Role Could Work

Ultimately, Klingberg appears to be the best fit for a contending team looking to take the next step in the playoffs. Montreal fits that mold, especially after finishing 16th in goals against during the regular season and struggling defensively against Carolina in the postseason. If the Canadiens can shore up their blue line, a Stanley Cup Final appearance may not be out of reach.

With training camps just over a month away, teams still have time to evaluate their options. Klingberg remains an intriguing addition for any contender looking to strengthen its defense, and it will be interesting to see where he ultimately lands.

Next: Maple Leafs’ Season May Hinge on One Big Matthews Adjustment