"When the Sharks signed veteran defenseman John Klingberg to a one-year, $4 million contract in July, there was little risk involved. The Sharks thought that if Klingberg, 33, could recapture some or most of the form he showed earlier in his career and be a force from the back end, he could no doubt help the Sharks win more games, stay in the mix for a playoff spot, and perhaps even be signed to an extension."
"Klingberg has a full no-trade clause through Jan. 30 before a 14-team no-trade list begins. Either way would be beneficial to Klingberg and the Sharks. In a perfect world, this team takes a step, and I take a step, and if they feel like I can be a good piece moving forward, I'm happy and open to that, Klingberg said of extending in San Jose. And if it goes the other way around, that's just hockey and how the sport goes, and we'll see."
"At his peak with the Dallas Stars from 2016 to 2022, Klingberg was an elite puck mover and power play quarterback who averaged just over 23 minutes per game. In that time, Klingberg was ninth among all NHL defensemen with 276 points and eighth with 114 power-play points. In 2020, Klingberg had 21 points in 26 playoff games, and he and the Stars reached the Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning."
John Klingberg joined the San Jose Sharks on a one-year, $4 million contract with the expectation he can recapture earlier form and contribute from the back end. The Sharks view the deal as low risk with potential upside: Klingberg could improve team results, help the club pursue a playoff spot, and earn a contract extension. Klingberg holds a full no-trade clause through Jan. 30, then a 14-team no-trade list applies, leaving the Sharks the option to trade him if not in contention. Klingberg emphasizes helping the team and himself while aiming to restore top performance similar to his Dallas peak.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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