The Oilers’ placement of John Klingberg on LTIR days before the playoffs is a blow on multiple levels—strategically for the team and personally for the player
While fans are split between anger and sympathy, one thing is clear: this development adds uncertainty to both the Oilers’ postseason push and Klingberg’s future in hockey.
For now, the Oilers must regroup and press on without him, hoping their remaining defensive corps can withstand the rigors of playoff hockey. And for Klingberg, the road to recovery continues—yet again.
In the end, the Edmonton Oilers’ bet on John Klingberg was a roll of the dice that didn’t come up in their favor. The intention behind the move was understandable — add veteran depth, boost offensive potential from the back end, and prepare for the grind of playoff hockey. But Klingberg’s inability to stay healthy negated all of that.
As the team moves forward, they’ll need to adjust, rely on their remaining core, and find new solutions on defense.
For Klingberg, the hope remains that he can heal and eventually return to the game he clearly still wants to play.
Whether that happens in Edmonton or elsewhere remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the Oilers took a chance, and it didn’t work out. In a league where every decision is magnified, that’s a lesson they won’t soon forget.
Also Read: Ryan Rishaug Predicts Edmonton Oilers’ Moves with Evander Kane
Table of Contents
John Klingberg’s LTIR Placement Shakes Up Oilers Before Playoffs
Just days before the start of the highly anticipated 2025 NHL playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers announced a significant roster change that took fans by surprise.1
Veteran defenseman John Klingberg was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), effectively ending his season.
This decision not only alters the Oilers’ defensive depth but also reignites debate about Klingberg’s signing in the first place—a move that drew mixed reactions even before his injury woes.
Goodnight, Oil Country 💪👷♂️ #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/Hsny6NFQX9
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 10, 2025
A Comeback Cut Short
Klingberg’s 2024–25 campaign was already a redemption story in the making.
The Swedish defenseman had previously undergone hip resurfacing surgery, a serious procedure that raised questions about whether he’d ever return to the NHL.
Against the odds, Klingberg worked his way back onto the ice and suited up for the Oilers, bringing experience, puck-moving ability, and a much-needed veteran presence to their blue line.
But just as he appeared to be gaining momentum, injury struck again.
With the team confirming his LTIR placement, it’s safe to say his season—and potentially his career—has been derailed once more.
Edmonton Oilers: Fan Backlash
Was Signing Klingberg a Mistake?
Following the Oilers’ announcement, many fans turned to social media to express frustration, questioning the decision to sign Klingberg in the first place.2
“What a waste to sign this guy in the first place,” one fan wrote bluntly.
“Why sign him in the first place?” another echoed, puzzled by the team’s front office decision-making.
“Was a bust signing, he’ll probably retire,” one user predicted.
Such comments reflect a sentiment shared by a portion of the fanbase—one that feels the Klingberg signing was always a gamble. To these fans, the gamble didn’t pay off.
Cap Space Questions and Roster Flexibility
The decision to move Klingberg to LTIR also carries financial implications.
When a player is placed on long-term injured reserve, the team receives cap relief equal to the player’s salary, allowing them to bring in reinforcements or reallocate money elsewhere.
While this opens up some flexibility for the Oilers ahead of the playoffs, it also reinforces the notion that the team didn’t get much return on investment from Klingberg’s contract. That realization stings, especially with postseason aspirations on the line.
Sympathy from Supporters: Injury is Never Fair
Not all responses were negative, though. A significant number of fans expressed genuine empathy for Klingberg, recognizing the human aspect of his injury struggles.
“Feel bad for the guy. Definitely not the way he wanted it to go,” one user posted.
“Genuinely feel for him. Turned down a huge lifetime deal, ran into injuries, and now it looks like he’s done,” another fan wrote, referencing Klingberg’s earlier decision to bet on himself in free agency.
“Was hoping he worked out. Heal up Klingberg,” another comment read.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of professional sports, and fans who understand the brutal toll the game takes were quick to show their support for the blueliner’s long road to recovery.
A Once-Promising Career in Limbo
At his peak, John Klingberg was among the NHL’s most dynamic offensive defensemen. His time with the Dallas Stars saw him put up impressive numbers, quarterback power plays, and earn All-Star honors.
In free agency, many assumed he’d land a long-term deal, but that scenario never fully materialized.
Instead, Klingberg signed shorter-term deals in hopes of boosting his value. However, recurring injuries and underwhelming performances have plagued him in recent years.
His stint with the Oilers was supposed to be a fresh start—but the unfortunate timing of his latest injury may leave him facing retirement talks earlier than expected.
Edmonton Oilers: Klingberg’s NHL Journey
From Star to Setback
Klingberg entered the NHL with high expectations and largely delivered during his early years in Dallas.3
He posted 40-plus points in four separate seasons and was instrumental in the Stars’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. His skating, offensive instincts, and vision made him a constant threat.
But over time, injuries began to chip away at his effectiveness. By the time he joined the Oilers, Klingberg was more of a question mark than a cornerstone. Still, the team hoped his experience could add depth to a defense looking to make a deep playoff run.
Now, that plan has been disrupted—yet again—by his ailing health.
What This Means for the Oilers’ Playoff Hopes
The timing of Klingberg’s absence could not be worse for Edmonton. Heading into the playoffs, the Oilers are considered a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, boasting elite talent like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
While Klingberg was not expected to carry the defense, his presence provided much-needed depth. With him out of the lineup, the pressure now shifts to other blue liners like Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and Mattias Ekholm to step up.
The Oilers may look to activate a depth defenseman from the AHL or explore options on the waiver wire or free agent market, especially with the LTIR cap relief now available.
Could Klingberg Return If the Oilers Go Deep?
As of now, there is no official timetable for Klingberg’s return.
Long-term injured reserve usually indicates a player is expected to miss at least 10 games or 24 days, but in Klingberg’s case, the severity of the hip issue may keep him sidelined for the remainder of the postseason.
However, if the Oilers make a deep playoff run—possibly to the Conference Finals or beyond—there’s always a chance that Klingberg could recover enough to rejoin the team. Such a return would be an inspirational story, but fans aren’t holding their breath.
Evaluating the Klingberg Signing in Hindsight
With the season now likely over for John Klingberg, the Oilers’ front office may be reflecting on their decision to bring him in. Was it a miscalculation? A necessary risk? Or just a case of bad luck?
Injuries are impossible to predict, but signing a player with a lengthy injury history always carries some degree of risk. In hindsight, the Oilers may have been better off investing that cap space in younger, more durable options.
Still, the intent behind the signing was understandable: veteran depth for a Cup run.
The harsh reality is that John Klingberg may be facing the end of his NHL career. With multiple injuries and a major hip surgery behind him, he may find it difficult to earn another contract—especially if teams are wary of long-term health issues.
However, Klingberg is a competitor, and if there’s any chance of recovery, he may attempt one final comeback. Whether that’s in the NHL or overseas remains to be seen, but his resilience and determination should not be overlooked.
Also Read: Matthew Tkachuk Throws Shade at Edmonton Oilers During Stanley Cup Celebration
The Edmonton Oilers’ Gamble on Klingberg
A Risk That Didn’t Pay Off
In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, teams often take calculated risks in hopes of reaping big rewards.
The Edmonton Oilers took such a gamble with veteran defenseman John Klingberg, hoping he could bring stability and experience to the blue line. Unfortunately for the Oilers, that bet didn’t pan out.
When the Oilers signed John Klingberg, there was cautious optimism. The former Dallas Stars standout had been an elite offensive defenseman earlier in his career.
Known for his puck movement, power play prowess, and vision, Klingberg was seen as a potential asset who, if healthy, could bolster Edmonton’s defense corps heading into a critical stretch of the season.
But concerns loomed. Klingberg’s recent seasons had been marred by inconsistency and injury. The Oilers were aware that they were gambling on a player with declining physical durability. Still, they hoped that he might have enough left in the tank to contribute during the home stretch and into the playoffs.
Dustin Nielson Sounds Off
Edmonton radio personality Dustin Nielson didn’t mince words when reflecting on the Klingberg signing in a recent piece for the Edmonton Journal (April 9).
He highlighted the risk the Oilers took and how it ultimately cost them.
“They took a risk, it backfired, cost them cap space at the deadline. On Klingberg’s side, it’s tough to see a guy try to push through but the body can’t hold up.”
Nielson’s statement resonates because it speaks to both sides of the issue — the organizational misstep and the human element. For Klingberg, the desire to contribute and compete was clearly there. Unfortunately, his body just couldn’t cooperate.
Edmonton Oilers: Klingberg’s Career
Where Does He Go From Here?
For John Klingberg, the future is murky. The Swedish defenseman has had a respectable NHL career, but recurring injuries have made it increasingly difficult for him to maintain his form.
It’s unclear whether he’ll recover in time for the playoffs — or if he’ll ever be able to return to NHL action at all.
A lingering question remains: Is this the beginning of the end for Klingberg’s NHL journey? Only time will tell. For now, fans and analysts alike are left wondering what might have been had his body held up.
It’s easy to look at Klingberg’s situation in terms of dollars, cap space, and on-ice production. But there’s also a very human story here — that of a veteran trying to push through physical limitations to help his team, only to be stopped by injuries he couldn’t control.
Nielson’s comments hint at the emotional toll this can take. Klingberg wanted to be there for the Oilers. He likely hoped this stint could be a resurgence, a final act of redemption in a league that had started to pass him by. That dream, at least for now, is on hold.
What This Means for the Oilers’ Playoff Push
The playoffs are fast approaching, and the Oilers are now in a position where depth on defense has become a genuine concern.
Without Klingberg and with Walman temporarily sidelined, Edmonton’s blue line is thinner than expected. That could present matchup challenges, especially against offensively potent teams.
The team still boasts top-tier talent in players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and their forward group remains a strength.
But playoff hockey is often won and lost on the back end, where defensemen must log heavy minutes, win puck battles, and neutralize scoring threats. Klingberg was supposed to be part of that equation.
View this post on Instagram
Lessons Learned for Edmonton’s Front Office
This situation will likely serve as a cautionary tale for Oilers GM Ken Holland and the rest of the front office.
While taking risks is part of the job, especially with veteran players who could turn into bargains, the Klingberg signing underscores the importance of due diligence on health and long-term viability.
With cap space more precious than ever, Edmonton can’t afford too many more misfires like this one — especially during seasons where they’re pushing for a Stanley Cup.
Despite the misstep with Klingberg, all is not lost. Walman is expected to return for the playoffs, and Edmonton has other defensemen who have stepped up when called upon.
Additionally, the team may benefit from young prospects or depth players who now have a chance to prove themselves in high-stakes situations.
It’s not the scenario the Oilers envisioned when they added Klingberg, but it’s the reality they must now adapt to. Good teams find a way to overcome adversity. Edmonton will have to prove they are one of them.
