John Klingberg, D
Former San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars blue-liner John Klingberg is one of the top defenseman remaining unsigned in free agency this summer. At 33 years old, Klingberg scored double-digit goals and 27 total points in 56 games played for the Sharks this past regular season.
The Kings primary need on the blue line on defense at this point of the offseason is a left-handed shot to pair with young defenseman Brandt Clarke.
But adding another capable defenseman this offseason who can add more depth and offensive upside to the blue line this upcoming season, like Klingberg or former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Blankenburg, could be a wise move for Holland and the Kings before training camp and the preseason this fall.
Klingberg has plenty of familiarity and recent experience in the Pacific Division, playing for the Sharks and Edmonton Oilers in this past couple of seasons. He's proven that when he's healthy for a full season, Klingberg can still be a productive defenseman in the offensive zone while adding value on special teams on the power play.
The clear downside to Klingberg is his defensive game. Despite playing for an improving Sharks team and scoring 10 goals on the blue line this past season, he was still a -13.
With the cap room the Kings have left, adding a defenseman with proven experience and real offensive upside could help to make this a more complete group on the blue line on both sides of the ice. Getting more depth and offensive upside could outweigh the need for adding a left-handed shot on the blue line this offseason.
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