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Oilers GM Stan Bowman and Coach Knoblauch discuss reasons for John Klingberg signing
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers made an interesting signing with 32 year old defenceman John Klingberg, and now General Manager Stan Bowman and Coach Knoblauch discussed the reasons behind the move.
The Oilers finalized the contract for Klingberg yesterday, for one season at a $1.7M cap hit.
Stan Bowman and Kris Knoblauch explain John Klingberg signing
The Oilers have been looking to add a top four defenceman to their right side this season, and they're taking a low-risk bet on Johnny Klingberg proving himself in the weeks before the trade deadline.
Bowman and Knoblauch seem aligned in their belief that a puck moving defenceman like Klingberg will add to their offensive strength as a team, and they'll live with the defensive shortcomings.
In a interview with Mark Spector of Sportsnet this morning, Bowman explained his vision for Klingberg in the lineup.
»I want to accentuate the strength of our team, which is our forward group. Not to disparage our D-corps, but we're not a team that just shuts you down and wins 1-0.
In a five-on-five setting, when John's at his best, guys are going to really enjoy playing with him. Let's try to get the puck more, and let's have it more. Let's make plays with it. Let's not flip it out, or chip it out and chase it.»
- Stan Bowman
In a five-on-five setting, when John's at his best, guys are going to really enjoy playing with him. Let's try to get the puck more, and let's have it more. Let's make plays with it. Let's not flip it out, or chip it out and chase it.»
- Stan Bowman
The Oilers general manager also touched upon the injury concerns for Klingberg, and his declining play when he was still playing. Bowman is confident that he's feeling his best in years, and could elevate himself in Edmonton again like others have.
»He said that he hasn't felt this good time in 12 years, as far as his mobility, no pain, and being able to (play hockey). When you look at it through that lens, if he's playing his best, what does that look like and how would it help us?
In my time here we have a good history of getting the most out of players that struggled elsewhere. Players have been able to come in here and be effective, and that bodes well for John.
- Stan Bowman
In my time here we have a good history of getting the most out of players that struggled elsewhere. Players have been able to come in here and be effective, and that bodes well for John.
- Stan Bowman
While speaking to the media today, coach Knoblauch echoed a similar belief of Klingberg helping the defence move the puck, and potentially playing top 4 to start.
»We want a player that's going to play top our strengths. Move the puck out, some offensive contributions. You look at the ice, it's McDavid's line, Ekholm and Bouchard as a five man unit. Now, having another puck moving defenceman complimenting Leon.»
- Coach Knoblauch
- Coach Knoblauch
The best possible explanation for Klingberg's usage seems to be replacing Troy Stecher's role at 5 on 5. In higher leverage situations, Brett Kulak can still move up to Darnell Nurse's paring.
The Oilers have an exciting option here with a former star defenceman in John Klingberg. If he really is healthier than he's been in years and can reach his previous heights, the Oilers have got a steal here - if not, it will cost them almost nothing.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 18 | 445 ANSWERS Oilers GM Stan Bowman and Coach Knoblauch discuss reasons for John Klingberg signing Do you think John Klingberg will be a good fit for the Oilers? | ||
| Yes | 355 | 79.8 % |
| No | 90 | 20.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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