Eligible for full free agency this summer, defenseman John Klingberg says he wants to stay with the Dallas Stars.
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The 29-year-old skater played the first eight seasons of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL) in Texas and this year completed a seven-year, $29.75 million pact.
Although several observers have mentioned the possibility of seeing him head for another destination, he wishes to continue his journey within an organization in which he feels comfortable.
“Basically, I still want to stay here. This is the only team I have discussed with, obviously. On my side and on the other side [that of general manager Jim Nill], we tried to come to an agreement in various ways. Whether it’s for the duration or the financial sum, we try to find something that will make us all happy,” he told NHL.com.
On the other hand, Nill left the door open to the veteran who has the free choice to decide his professional future, even if he hopes to sign him on a contract.
“John has the opportunity to become a free agent and I don’t blame him,” he said Tuesday. He must watch with his family. He’ll look at what the market looks like and we’ll do the same to determine if it’s a good fit for both parties. It will all be a matter of time and money. He knows where we are and vice versa. He earned that right and I give him full credit for that.”
If ever the defender who totaled 47 points in 74 games during the last campaign evolves for another formation, the Stars could always fall back on Jeff Petry whose name fueled rumors before the March 21 trade deadline.
Moreover, at the beginning of February, the site The Athletic had reported that the Stars were interested in acquiring it in the event of the departure of Klingberg.
Petry has struggled on the ice in 2021-22, amassing 27 points in 68 outings and posting a -11 differential.
He also found himself estranged from his family who preferred to stay in the United States so as not to submit to certain health constraints in Canada, while general manager Kent Hughes was unable to exchange him.
Coming back to Klingberg, he had 374 points, including 71 goals, in 552 NHL regular-season games. He finds himself on vacation due to the Stars’ loss in Game 7 of the series against the Calgary Flames on Sunday.
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