Edmonton Oilers

Klingberg to Debut for Oilers Tonight vs. Red Wings

Edmonton Oilers defenseman John Klingberg will debut for the team tonight as they try to stay hot against the Detroit Red Wings.

by
Jim Parsons
January 30, 2025

Veteran defenseman John Klingberg will officially make his debut for the Edmonton Oilers against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night. Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed his insertion into the lineup. Still getting his feet wet after double hip surgery, the defenseman is expected to rotate in with multiple defensive partners throughout the game.

Klinger is in ✔️ Coach Knoblauch confirmed that John Klingberg will make his #Oilers debut tonight vs. Detroit. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/Lotpd5YJ02
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 30, 2025

Klingberg joined the Oilers on a one-year, $1 million pro-rated contract on January 17, 2025. While initial expectations suggested he would need at least a week to prepare for game action, the Oilers have taken their time with him. He’s been skating and practicing and looks great. The former Dallas Stars standout is now ready to return to NHL play, which marks his first appearance since November 11, 2023.

Oilers Looking to Continue Hot Streak

The Oilers enter the matchup leading the Pacific Division with a strong 32-15-3 record. Adding Klingberg to the lineup gives them another experienced, offensively gifted presence on the blue line as they push toward a deep playoff run. The Oilers are hoping he’ll transition the puck quickly and get it in the hands of their elite forwards, upping the offensive zone time and limiting the times they get hemmed into their own zone.

Mark Spector reports that Klingberg revealed he had undergone double hip surgery at both 18 and 21 years old. Remarkably, he has never played pain-free in the NHL—until now. After his latest procedure, it was clear he was pumped for his return. He stated, “I feel like a kid again.”

With his fresh start in Edmonton, Klingberg will look to make an immediate impact and the Oilers are hoping they took a smart gamble and found an inexpensive fix ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

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