Untimely Uncertainty for Edmonton Oilers re: Oscar Klefbom

Oscar Klefbom has always been a key member of the Edmonton Oilers nucleus for long term success. After being selected by the Oilers as the 19th overall selection in 2011, the defenceman has developed into a player that Edmonton relies more on each season. In 2019/20, Klefbom was averaging around 25 minutes a night. When healthy, the 27-year-old Swedish defender has found his way as a top pairing NHL blueliner.

However, Klefbom has also missed time due to injuries over the past three seasons. With ubiquitous uncertainty surrounding every feature of the 2020/21 NHL season, the latest rumours suggest that Klefbom might opt for surgery. Realistically, can you blame the big Swede? Not really. It does not take long to figure out that this health issue many not be a new thing.

Oilers defenceman Oscar Klefbom may require surgery this offseason https://t.co/vfWmgaDmqD

— Edmonton Journal (@edmontonjournal) October 1, 2020

For example, when Klefbom was sidelined with a shoulder issue in February of 2020, Oilers Head Coach Dave Tippett had this to say about his top pair defenseman, “Klef’s been dealing with this for a little bit. It finally got to the point where we wanted to have a look at it.” I am not a doctor but that sounds like a shoulder that has not healed correctly and will likely continue to decline over time if it is not addressed. 

If you are in Klefbom’s shoes the timing seems right to explore a corrective path. Given all the short-term uncertainty, Klefbom could feasibly extend his career over the long-term by addressing this shoulder issue right now. Makes perfect sense. That said, this will likely complicate the situation for the Oilers heading into the upcoming entry draft and free-agent season.

The Oilers Other Options

Are the implications resulting from Klefbom having surgery insurmountable? No, but likely not an ideal situation for the Oilers. Edmonton has $11 million worth of cap space before factoring LTIR space if Klefbom decides to have surgery. The organization can wade into the UFA market as was suggested yesterday when Tyson Barrie’s name surfaced as a possible replacement.

Another option might be to use a draft pick or two to help bolster a deal to acquire Matt Dumba Oliver Ekman-Larsson (although it appears the Ekman-Larsson is off the table now). However, with only four draft picks in 2020 the Oilers are looking to acquire picks – not trade them. Trading 2021 picks also puts them further behind as the Oil are already missing a 2nd and 5th selection next year.

At the end of the day, an understandable decision from the Klefbom camp, but not an ideal situation for the Oilers.

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