Happy Retirement, John Klingberg!
This past Friday, September 11th, one of the best on the blue line for the Dallas Stars announced that he was hanging up his skates.
John Klingberg has retired from playing hockey.
Not quite a Pro Hockey Hall of Fame resume. But one day, he could find himself in the Stars Hall of Fame.
With the numbers he put up in Dallas, there’s a legitimate argument for it.
The Quarterback
In today’s NHL, especially the modern era after the 2005 lockout, an offensive defenseman is one of the top commodities for competitive teams. One who can run the power play and generate scoring chances in most situations
During his time in Dallas, Klingberg was the guy the Stars often had to run the power play. Even when the Stars debuted Miro Heiskanen in 2018, Klingberg was still the guy Dallas wanted quarterbacking the power play and offense. When Dallas wanted more goals, Klingberg was on the first defensive unit.
Stars Record Book
In his eight seasons in Dallas, Klingberg has etched his name in Stars history. Amongst Minnesota North Stars/Dallas history for defensemen, Klingberg ranks fourth all-time in goal scoring with 71. Third with 303 assists. And third all-time with 374. All of which came in regular-season play
Klingberg totaled 35 points in 59 playoff games. 7 goals and 28 points. In 2019 and 2020, when the Stars wanted more offense, coaches Jim Montgomery and Rick Bowness looked to get Klingberg on the ice more.
Injuries Happen
Retirement became the only option as a history of hip problems caught up to Klingberg. It’s not just the pain from the injuries. The annual grind of NHL regular seasons, coupled with playoff runs, took its toll on Klingberg. When you’re in your 30s, your body changes, and problems you could outrun before you get to the point where you no longer can. You also factor in that you can no longer compete at the same level that’s needed for NHL hockey.
The All-Star defenseman held out with hip problems as long as he could; Klingberg had himself a pretty good career in the NHL
“It’s been there my entire career. It’s always been there, and I’ve been able to play through it. But then over the last few years it’s been gradually getting worse and worse.”
While Klingberg didn’t retire as a Star, people will remember his playing career for wearing the victory green. He will remember his time with the Stars too.
His Signature Moment
Klingberg is well known amongst Stars fans for his style of play on the ice. People will also remember his charisma and humor on and off the ice. But Stars fans will always point to one play he made on a late April evening at the AAC.
In Game 6 on April 22nd, 2019, Klingberg took a shot that sealed the series.
One team (the Nashville Predators) saw their season end.
For the Stars, their season extended in front of a wild crowd at the AAC—one of the loudest crowd pops since the Stars began playing there in 2001.
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