The Anaheim Ducks have agreed to a one-year contract with defenseman John Klingberg, who was one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.
The 29-year-old athlete will get his hands on a $7 million salary with the California squad, according to various media reports. One of the most attractive fullbacks this offseason, but obviously unhappy with the offers he’s received, Klingberg replaced his longtime agent, Peter Wallen, with Newport Sports Management this week.
“We are very excited to add John to our roster,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said in a statement. John is an extremely talented player who can quarterback on the power play and give us the blue line goals we need. He also adds leadership and personality to our team.”
The Swede has given contrary indications regarding his future in recent months, having expressed his dissatisfaction in negotiations with the Dallas Stars, but still wanting to come to an agreement with his team forever. DG Jim Nill had also indicated several times that he wanted to retain Klingberg’s services.
A fifth-round pick (131st overall) in the 2010 draft, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound player has played his entire career with the Stars. In 552 NHL games, Klingberg hit the target 71 times and provided 303 assists for 374 points.
Last season, he once again led the club’s fullbacks with 47 points, but maintained a team-worst differential of -28. In the playoffs, he added one assist in seven games.