The Oilers have added defenseman John Klingberg after recovering from hip surgery and missing the first half of the season

Moments ago, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman broke the news that the Edmonton Oilers have signed 32 year old defenceman John Klingberg to a contract. The Oilers had been reported as the heavy favourites to land the veteran Swedish defenceman,

Signing Klingberg at $1.35 million (with $350,000 bonus possibly paid next season based on playoff performance) does not limit the Oilers to just one move. They could also bring in a big, physical d-man at the March 7 trade deadline if that was still deemed to be a need.

The Oilers have won 19 of their past 24 games and are fourth in the NHL by points percentage. Members of the front office have been looking to improve the roster — like they did when they claimed Kasperi Kapanen off waivers in November — all while keeping financial flexibility ahead of the trade deadline.

The marquee veteran defenseman has signed with the Edmonton Oilers on Friday per NHL insider Darren Dreger. "John Klingberg heading to the Oilers," Dreger said on X. The details of Klingberg's contract with the Oilers have not yet been released.

Klingberg had been attempting to resurrect his NHL career after spending more than a year working his way back from injury.

UFA defenseman John Klingberg is joining the Edmonton Oilers in a comeback from hip surgery after a handful of teams were reportedly interested in him.