As things currently stand, Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg is arguably the best defenseman set to be available in this summer’s free agent market. But according to Klingberg, he hopes he doesn’t get there. In today’s season-ending meeting with the media, Klingberg, who has been the subject of many trade rumors in the past, emphasized his desire to remain in Dallas, saying:
At the end of the day, I always want to stay here. We’ve been trying to find different ways to get it done. Year length, money-wise, just trying to get something we’re both happy with.
The factors that could potentially block a Klingberg return are the ones he mentioned, the cost and length of his extension. On May 7th, Stars GM Jim Nill said that he would love to keep Klingberg. But it may not be possible given the team’s cap situation and the other offers Klingberg could receive on the open market. The Stars already have Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, and Ryan Suter under contract for at least the next three seasons, and with extensions for Jake Oettinger, Jason Robertson, Denis Gurianov, and Roope Hintz to consider over the next two offseasons, it’s difficult to imagine that the Stars will be able to match the kinds of offers Klingberg could receive from elsewhere. So, despite the mutual interest in a return that was communicated today, it looks as though some serious creativity will be required if Klingberg is to remain with the only NHL team he has ever known.
Now, for some other notes regarding the Stars:
- Stars head coach Rick Bowness coached this season on an expiring contract, a deal that has now ended thanks to the Stars’ defeat at the hands of the Calgary Flames. Per Matthew DeFranks of The Dallas Morning News, Bowness stated today that he would prefer a one-year contract at this stage of his career and that he may consider retirement if that’s the path he chooses to go down. Nill did praise Bowness’ work today, emphasizing that Bowness has “done a good job” in this 98-point campaign. He did also say, though, that they will need to “reassess everything.” So with both Bowness and Nill’s comments in mind, it’s certainly possible that the Stars join the multitude of teams seeking a new head coach this offseason.
- On exit days across the NHL, it is common for the numerous injuries a team’s players have been playing through to be revealed publicly for the first time. The Stars’ end-of-season press conferences were no different, and we learned today of a multitude of ailments that Stars players were battling during the season. As relayed by Saad Yousuf of The Athletic, Tyler Seguin fractured his foot in Game One of the series, Hintz strained his oblique in Game Six, and Luke Glendening had a concussion and both knee and groin issues that would have kept him out on a week-to-week basis. While it’s certain that all three players would rather be taking on the Edmonton Oilers tomorrow night, one small benefit of the Stars’ loss is that they now get to begin the recovery process in earnest.
Bowness needs a one way ticket into the Sun. He’s a horrible retread coach. There’s a reason Cooper canned him.
“As things currently stand, Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg is arguably the best defenseman set to be available in this summer’s free agent market.”
I guess this is assuming that Letang resigns.
This is why the Pens need to just pony up. If Letang leaves because you won’t pay him, you’ll just have to give that same money to a lesser player like Klingberg (if you are lucky) for even longer.
He said arguably…..
Letang is better at everything than Klingberg.
What’s the argument?
Both players are fine. But one is on the back end of his career while one is still in his prime. By the end of 2-3 years I am sure we will see Klingberg’s numbers pass Letang’s. And both are pretty close in their own end. And this is from a neutral observer. And Letang does have a much lengthier injury history. I think Klingberg deserves a touch more than Letang, but both should contain bonuses that could take one over the other.
For sake of argument, let’s say that is all true…it would make Klingberg a better investment, not a better defenseman.
And at the end of 2-3 years, none of it matters for the Pens.
Keeping Letang is the obvious move.
Worried Fenway might Chaim Bloom the Pens into oblivion, though.
During his address to “assessing things” and the topic of poor offense, Nill also said “we need more production from our core guys” and named Benn and Seguin. He was professional about it, but called out the captain for sure.
Did Jim Nill assess his own poor job performance? Any comment on the Ryan Suter signing? Anything about Oettinger being the Stars 3rd/4th goalie to begin the season? Jim Nill will be fired soon.
Not soon enough
Oettinger made Bowness look better than he is. His get a one goal lead and hang on for our life approach is not sustainable.