One Western Conference team tried to use an incredible strategy to sign John Klingberg
John Klingberg was one of the most sought after free agent defensemen on the free agent market this off-season. Going to the Anaheim Ducks on a one-year deal worth 7 million shocked most people around the hockey world as many thought he would be worth a lot more, but what about the trade that never was?
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Edmonton Oilers tried to swing a sign and trade that involved the Montreal Canadiens in order to land Klingberg, but the deal never materialized.
Montreal would have signed Klingberg and then retained a portion of his salary and received a sweetener in a trade with the Oilers. The sweetener would have allowed Montreal to receive an asset in return for simply signing Klingberg and eating money on a short term deal.
Alas, what could've been for the Edmonton Oilers landing a top 4 offensive blueliner would certainly change how their back end would've looked going into next season.
We'll see how Klingberg does in California with the Ducks this season and if it doesn't work out, at least it's only a one year deal and he he can walk away from Anaheim if he so chooses.
| POLL | ||
Should more teams consider this strategy? | ||
| Yes, it's brilliant | 30 | 50.8 % |
| No, it circumvents the salary cap | 29 | 49.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
