John Klingberg ends NHL career after 12 seasons

Quick answers

What decision did John Klingberg announce regarding his NHL career?

John Klingberg officially announced his retirement from professional hockey after 12 seasons in the NHL. He played 700 regular-season games for six franchises, primarily with the Dallas Stars.

What was John Klingberg's performance in his final NHL game?

In his final NHL game, John Klingberg had a strong outing, providing three assists in a victory against the Winnipeg Jets. This performance capped his career with a three-point game.

Klingberg’s career highlights and statistics

Defenseman John Klingberg has officially retired from the NHL after 12 seasons. The announcement came via the NHLPA on Friday. Klingberg’s career featured a total of 700 regular-season games, where he accumulated 92 goals and 351 assists, totaling 443 points.

The Swedish defenseman was recognized as one of the valuable offensively-minded blueliners during his prime. Drafted in 2010 by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round, Klingberg spent eight seasons with the franchise, where he built his reputation.

Klingberg’s most notable performance came during the 2017-18 season. He notched a career-high of 67 points that year. He was part of the Stars during their playoff run in the 2019-20 season, collecting 21 points across 26 games.

Injuries affected Klingberg’s final years

Unfortunately, success on the ice was often overshadowed by injuries later in his career. After leaving Dallas, Klingberg faced challenges, appearing in just 25 regular-season games over two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers.

His last NHL season was spent with the San Jose Sharks. Klingberg played 56 games, contributing 10 goals and 27 points while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time. His final game on April 16 showcased his skill, registering three assists against the Winnipeg Jets.

Klingberg’s impact on the game

Klingberg’s versatility shone through as he played for six teams, reflecting both his talent and the demand for skilled defensemen. In addition to his offensive contributions, he was a member of the all-rookie team and finished sixth in Norris Trophy voting in the 2015-16 season.

Throughout his career, Klingberg established himself as a key player, especially during playoff appearances. He played every postseason game for six different campaigns, including stints in two Stanley Cup finals.

For related context, see latest NHL injury updates.

Reporting for this story draws on Sportsnet, The Hockey News.

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