The Swedish Squad: 3 Player’s Role in Klingberg Picking Oilers

This week, Swedish defenseman John Klingberg signed with the Edmonton Oilers. But why? What made him choose Edmonton and not another team? Several teams were in the mix for Klingberg, with good reason. Before his injury issues that reportedly hampered him during runs with the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs, he was a top NHL defenseman. He was excellent offensively and had the knack for producing with the man advantage. The Oilers are hoping he can do that again for them.

Edmonton offered a unique opportunity. It wasn’t just because the club is a Stanley Cup contender. The team’s Swedish connections were key in drawing Klingberg to the Canadian prairies.

---

---

The team has a growing number of Swedish players on its roster, and this group undoubtedly became the tipping point in Klingberg’s attraction to the Oilers.  Mark Spector discussed the links in a recent post on X, noting Mattias Ekholm, Mattias Janmark, and Viktor Arvidsson may have contributed to Friday’s signing.

Mattias Ekholm’s Key Influence on Klingberg’s Decision

One factor that likely factored into Klingberg’s decision to join the Oilers was his history with Mattias Ekholm. The two played together on the Swedish national team at the World Championships. They also were part of Team Sweden’s defensive corps during several international tournaments. Ekholm’s reputation among Swedish players has made him influential in Edmonton’s Swedish contingent. His long-standing relationship with Klingberg would have tipped the scales to make the Oilers an attractive destination for the veteran defenseman.

Ekholm’s status with the Oilers transcends his on-ice contributions. He’s a cornerstone of the team’s Swedish presence and helped create a welcome for his fellow Swedes. Ekholm has had nothing but great things to say about Edmonton and the organization since his arrival. As an ambassador for the franchise, he’s among the best.

This relationship is shaping a growing core of Swedish players that could drive the team’s success in the future.

Mattias Janmark’s Character Reference Helped Seal the Deal

Another key player in the Oilers’ Swedish network is forward Mattias Janmark. He was Klingberg’s teammate in Dallas for four seasons. Many believe he was instrumental in the team’s decision to bring Klingberg to Edmonton.

Janmark is known for his character and work ethic. Spector writes that Edmonton’s GM Stan Bowman leaned more on Mattias Janmark for character reference, which he was happy to give. His connection with Klingberg on and off the ice helped build trust in the team’s locker room and made the Oilers an attractive landing spot for the skilled defenseman.

Mattias Janmark 'LIKED' the Oilers Official Signing Post on Klingberg! 😅 pic.twitter.com/kBa0fpRFcP

— Oilers After Dark's -B.W. (@OADsBraydonW) January 17, 2025

---

However, Janmark’s role in recruiting Klingberg isn’t the first time the Oilers have relied on personal relationships to influence players’ decisions. His influence has now connected several players to the team.

Viktor Arvidsson: A Major Influence on Ekholm’s Move to Edmonton

One must link Nashville in the conversation to learn more about Klingberg’s decision. While there, Ekholm played a significant role in bringing fellow Swede Viktor Arvidsson to the team. This history has carried over into their time together in Edmonton, where it’s been said that Ekholm was one of the driving forces behind Arvidsson’s arrival. The relationship between the two players helped form the foundation of the Swedish emergence within the Oilers locker room.

With Ekholm, Janmark, and Arvidsson all playing roles in the Oilers’ team chemistry, it’s clear that the Swedish influence in Edmonton is growing. This unique blend of shared history, international pride, and leadership could be the secret gravlax the Oilers need as they continue to build their identity and compete for championships.

The Growing Swedish Connection in Edmonton

As the Oilers continue to shape their roster with Swedes in key roles, the influence of players like Ekholm, Janmark, and Arvidsson can’t be ignored. These relationships helped bring Klingberg to the team. At the same time, the Swedish connection has also helped to build a strong, cohesive locker room culture.

Can this culture become a tipping point toward success for Edmonton’s playoff aspirations? If Klingberg works out well, it could. That kind of camaraderie and culture could become an exciting development for the Oilers and one that could pay dividends as the season moves toward the playoffs.

Related: Oilers’ Salary Cap Plan and Next Move After Klingberg’s Contract