Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Coyotes’ Jakob Chychrun and the San Jose Sharks’ Erik Karlsson are frequently mentioned as potential trade targets for clubs seeking skilled blueline depth. However, they could turn to a more affordable option like the Anaheim Ducks’ John Klingberg.
Signed last summer to a one-year, $7-million contract, the 30-year-old Klingberg is expected to be peddled by the rebuilding Ducks before the March 3 trade deadline. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli has him sitting fifth among his 20-player list of trade targets.
The Ducks are mired at the bottom of the NHL’s overall standings. Meanwhile, clubs like the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs must bolster their injury-depleted bluelines. Others, like the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks, need to boost their defensive depth.
On Nov. 17, the Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch cited TSN’s Jay Onrait including Klingberg on a list of eight defensemen believed to be on the market. Garrioch noted that Senators GM Pierre Dorion recently said he’s been very busy trying to find a top-four blueliner.
Two days later, Sportsnet’s Luke Fox included Klingberg on his list of potential defensive targets for the Leafs. They’ve since acquired promising but oft-injured Conor Timmins from the Coyotes but could have an eye on bigger fish in the trade pool.
Klingberg’s salary is a sticking point, but the Ducks might retain up to 50 percent for a suitable offer. Cap Friendly indicates he has a full no-trade clause until Jan. 1 when it reverts to a 10-team no-trade. Perhaps Klingberg will waive it before then if the right club comes calling.
.