John Klingberg is still on the market, and with July winding down, the veteran defenseman remains one of the more interesting unrestricted free agents left to sort out.
He’s coming off a productive year with the San Jose Sharks, one that showed he can still chip in on both ends. In 56 games last season, Klingberg scored 10 goals and added 17 assists for 27 points. Over the course of his career, he has piled up 92 goals and 351 assists for 443 points in 700 games.
The hold-up may come down to what kind of contract he wants. If Klingberg is searching for term, that could narrow the field. But if he’s open to a shorter deal that doesn’t push a team too far financially, there are a few clubs that fit the bill.
Anaheim is one of them.
The Ducks have already moved Olen Zellweger and watched both Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba leave, so there’s a clear opening for more defensive depth. Their offseason has also been complicated by cap pressure tied to the Leo Carlsson situation. Carlsson is now signed to a five-year deal worth $18 million annually, and Cutter Gauthier still needs a new contract, which means the Ducks have plenty to juggle before they can feel comfortable about next season.
That’s where Klingberg could come in. If he’s willing to wait while Anaheim sorts out its cap space, a one-year deal could make sense for both sides.
The Ducks would have the option to flip him at the 2027 Trade Deadline if they’re out of the playoff race, or use him as a rental if they’re in the mix. If Klingberg performs, he could set himself up for a raise and maybe even a longer commitment after the season.
Boston presents a different kind of opportunity.
The Bruins are only a few moves away from being viewed as serious contenders for the 2026-27 season, and another veteran defenseman capable of handling a top-four role would fit neatly into that picture. Their cap situation is a little cleaner than Anaheim’s, but they’d still probably want to keep the money and term manageable.
A deal similar to the one Anthony Mantha signed with the New Jersey Devils - two years at just under $5 million per season - would make sense for Boston. And like Anaheim, the Bruins could treat Klingberg as a rental or move him at the trade deadline, even with the extra year attached, depending on where they stand in the standings.
Then there’s Seattle, which might be the most aggressive of the bunch.
If Klingberg wants the biggest payday, the Kraken are the team most likely to hand it to him. They need defensive help and have the money to spend. They’ve already taken swings at big names like Artemi Panarin and Jason Robertson, and while Klingberg isn’t on that same level, landing him would still signal a team willing to spend in pursuit of contention.
Seattle could also offer the most term. A short-term contract would carry little risk even if it came in above $5 million annually, and a three-year deal would still be manageable for them. With the cap rising, Klingberg could help them reach the cap floor in a couple of years, and if the team ends up rebuilding, he could become a trade chip for future assets.
However it shakes out, Klingberg is going to sign somewhere. And if he does, Anaheim, Boston, and Seattle all make plenty of sense as landing spots.
In Other News...
Justin Schultz Is Back With The Kraken In A Meaningful New Role
Justin Schultz is back in the Kraken organization in a different capacity, with Seattle officially hiring the former defenseman as a player development coach. His work will center on drafted players spread across junior hockey, college, Europe and Coachella Valley, giving the club another familiar voice helping bridge the gap between being selected and becoming a regular NHL contributor.
For Schultz, the move comes after a long playing career that included 745 NHL games, two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh and his final two seasons in Seattle before he moved toward coaching. The role also keeps him close to the part of the roster pipeline that matters most for a team trying to build a lasting core, especially on the blue line, where the Kraken will be counting on young players to keep climbing. [Read more 🡒]