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Will John Klingberg end up with the Buffalo Sabres?

By Sion Fawkes

May 5, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg (3) during the face off against the Calgary Flames during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg (3) during the face off against the Calgary Flames during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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It may come as a shock to you that John Klingberg is still available in free agency and the Buffalo Sabres could still go after him. 

One of our sister sites, Puck Prose, wrote a tremendous piece endorsing John Klingberg potentially signing with the Buffalo Sabres. And while there is nothing linking Klingberg to the Sabres, Puck Prose outlined a few benefits regarding a would-be role in Buffalo.

For one, the 30-year-old could go into the Queen City knowing that he does not need to be the main act. That responsibility would go to All-Star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. Further, Klingberg’s presence would make him both a productive role player and a mentor to one of the NHL’s youngest position groups.

John Klingberg would bring productivity, leadership, and mentorship to the Buffalo Sabres

Klingberg could also mentor the Sabres alongside Kyle Okposo and Craig Anderson should the young team find themselves in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And best yet, Klingberg can add firepower to the Sabres improving the power play and penalty kill units, which Puck Prose cited saw just a 21.1% and 76.4% success rate, respectively.

The Sabres can also afford to pay him and still plan for the future extensions regarding the likes of Dahlin, Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, and other younger players that make up this franchise’s foundation. Overall, he would be a smart addition to a young team despite the talent they already have in the defensive rotation.

Personally, I do not believe the Sabres will pursue Klingberg because they are set at all three defensive pairings with intriguing prospects waiting in the wings. I also am not endorsing general manager Kevyn Adams to pursue Klingberg, as I am happy with the rotation they already have.

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However, I do see where Puck Prose is coming from in terms of benefits. So if the Sabres do end up signing Klingberg, I will be content with the acquisition. I did endorse the possibility of targeting Klingberg before free agency began, but the Sabres did sign a solid puzzle piece in Ilya Lyubushkin.

Article Source: Buffalo Sabres: John Klingberg Is Worth Pursuing in Free Agency by Richard Jelinek

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