Burning Questions For the 2025-26 Season: John Klingberg

With the 2025-26 season now in sight, the plan is to address the burning questions surrounding every player on the roster (or competing for a roster spot). These questions are focused on how the player is expected to contribute to the Sharks this season and what their role will be.

John Klingberg
6'2" 185lbs
33 years old
2010 5th round pick

Last Season

11 games, 1 goal, 3 assists, 17:15 TOI (Edmonton Oilers)

After hurting his hip early in the 2023-24 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, John Klingberg signed a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers in January to add some more depth for the Oilers in their playoff run. Klingberg also played in 19 playoff games for the Oilers, where he posted a goal and three assists while averaging 19 minutes per night.

Klingberg missed the majority of the last two seasons while recovering from a double hip resurfacing procedure. The Sharks signed John Klingberg to a one-year deal this offseason worth $4 million. Klingberg has a no-movement clause that lasts until January 30th, and then a 14-team no-trade list.

Burning Question

Can Klingberg find his magic again?

Before leaving the Dallas Stars after the 2021-22 season, Klingberg was one of the best offensive defenseman in the NHL. His skating and offensive prowess helped to drive the Stars' offense and power play. With the hip injury sapping his skating, Klingberg was a shell of himself over the past few seasons. Now, fully healthy, Klingberg has a chance to be himself again.

John Klingberg will have his best opportunity to reclaim his former glory by playing with San Jose. The Sharks entered the offseason without a power play quarterback and in need of more puck-moving defensemen on the roster.

Three Reasons Why The Power Play Should Improve In 2025-26

The San Jose Sharks’ power play has a chance to make massive improvements this season based on several key areas. They finished 26th in power play percentage at 18.6. They scored 42 power play goals on 226 power play opportunities. Their 226 opportunities were 14th in the NHL, but

The ReefJD Young

If Klingberg can stay healthy and be effective, he should be able to see a jump in production. Jake Walman had 32 points in 50 games with the Sharks last season. With an improving roster and internal growth from the young players, the Sharks' offense should take a jump, and Klingberg can be a major contributor and benefactor of it.

Expectations

Mike Grier and John Klingberg both know what this is. Grier is looking for someone to be the power play quarterback, add some scoring pop from the blue line, and take pressure off of Sam Dickinson and Luca Cagnoni's development. Klingberg is looking to reestablish his value so he can be traded to a contender and earn one more big contract. This feels like a match that could work out in favor of both parties.

If Klingberg can stay healthy, he'll be in a position to put up some points and show that he can still play at a high level. With Klingberg's contract, he'll control his trade destinations, but the Sharks should be able to get a solid piece in return if he's anywhere near Walman's production come the deadline. The hope is that by the time Klingberg gets traded, either Cagnoni is ready to jump into the NHL full-time or Sam Dickinson has established himself this year.