Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported in his Saturday Headlines that former NHL defenseman John Klingberg is still looking to play hockey this season.
As such, the Hockey News’s Adam Proteau believes that the Red Wings and two other teams may benefit from signing the offense-only defenseman:
Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings haven’t been afraid to sign an older, former star player to come in and help them try to get into the post-season – see Patrick Kane for proof – and Klingberg might see Detroit as his best shot to play playoff hockey without being traded after he signs with a team.
The Wings are on the periphery of the playoff race at the moment. But if Klingberg is fully healthy, he might be able to produce enough offense – at a very low price that fits in with Detroit’s cap situation – to put the Red Wings over the top in their race for a post-season spot.
Finding an experienced hand on the back end isn’t easy, but if Klingberg chooses the Wings as the team he wants to play for on his redemption tour, Detroit could wind up benefiting in terms of a subsequent trade – or Klingberg may help them get a playoff spot.
Continued; with the signing of Erik Gustafsson not working out, the Red Wings could use some offense from their blueline, and while Klingberg is not very good at actually defending, I could see the Wings finding a fit here.
