A purely offensive defenseman has requested a trade from his team!
According to what analyst David Pagnotta of "The Fourth Period" network reported, Swedish defenseman John Klingberg has asked to be traded by the Dallas Stars.
Klingberg, 29, will become an uncompensated free agent at the end of the current campaign. Negotiations between the Stars and Klingberg are not going well, even though the two sides had been in talks for an eight-year contract extension earlier this season.
The Stars would not be particularly interested in fulfilling the wish of their star defenseman. Instead, the Texas organization would like to do everything possible to reach an agreement with Klingberg's clan.
The Stars' number 3 has 16 points, including a goal, in 25 games so far.
The Stars are currently fighting for a playoff spot, which could motivate them to retain the services of the offensive defenseman, even if an extension of Klingberg's stay in Dallas is not guaranteed.
Could Jeff Gorton call Dallas?
The Habs' VP of hockey operations is known to like fast and talented teams, two qualities that Klingberg possesses.
The price would most likely be high, no doubt about it, but remember, the Habs don't have many quality right-handed defensemen in their lineup.
In any case, it would be surprising if the Tricolore invested a second first choice in a transaction this year. It all depends on Jeff Gorton's plan, of course.
To be continued...
