"He's played this way for a long time," McLellan said. "He had the same shoulder problem last year, it's just that some of the treatments he's had in the past have worked, and now they're not working quite as well. He's a hockey player, he wants to get out there and play. He wants to help his team win a hockey game and that speaks volumes about him."
McLellan said there is no risk of Klefbom damaging the shoulder further, which is why Klefbom will be allowed to play until a date can be set for surgery.
"If he had the availability of doctors and a bed today he wouldn't play tonight," McLellan said. "But I'm not going to deny him the opportunity of contributing to his team and playing in front of his fans because he has a procedure scheduled for later on when there's zero risk of any more damage."
Edmonton is expected to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 11th time in 12 seasons. The Oilers are sixth in the Pacific Division, 18 points behind the Los Angeles Kings for third place and the Dallas Stars for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Western Conference.
"Obviously it's going to be tough for us to make the playoffs, so if I'm going to do something now is the time to do it," Klefbom said. "I don't want to go through what I did this season with my shoulder. It's going to be a big year for me on this team next year, so I want to be 100 percent, and now is the time to get my shoulder repaired."
Edmonton will go on a four-game road trip beginning at the Florida Panthers on Saturday. Klefbom will travel and play as many games as he can before the surgery.
"I want to be there for my teammates," Klefbom said. "I've been having this issue for a long time. Every player has bumps and bruises and I just want to play through it. I've been playing with this injury for many years. That's not going to stop me and I want to be there on the ice with the guys and help them out any way I can. Until the procedure, I want to be on the ice and help them."
