Klingberg has been a model of consistency in his time with the Stars, but his role could be changing with the improvement of Miro Heiskanen. Klingberg logged 24:32 in 2018-19 and last season was down about two minutes from that level, while Heiskanen logged 24:58. Klingberg continues to lead the first power-play unit and typically gets 15 seconds more per game in power-play time than Heiskanen. He also had 17 power-play points to 11 for Heiskanen last season, so his role with the man advantage is pretty secure. With the return to health of Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov, the Stars could have one of the best power plays in the league, so Klingberg should benefit from that. The biggest question surrounding Klingberg is the fact he is entering the final year of his contract. Both sides are trying to get an extension done, but Klingberg has placed himself statistically in a very high dollar range while at the same time getting to an age where a long-term deal might not be best for the team.
Klingberg will be 30 when his new deal starts, and if he wants an eight-year contract, that means he might have to give a little on AAV. Add to that the fact the Stars are already committed to Heiskanen ($8.45 million) for eight years, Esa Lindell ($5.8 million) for four years and Ryan Suter ($3.65 million) for four years, that makes this negotiation pretty tricky.
Nevertheless, Klingberg is in the prime of his career and should produce another solid season in terms of points and puck possession. With the addition of Suter, the Stars are pondering a shuffle on defense, and that could mean Klingberg would move away from his typical partner Lindell and possibly beside Suter. That could change the dynamic of the game for Klingberg and could be another thing that helps him produce more points.
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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika, and listen to his podcast.
