Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill sure has a way of easing players into their sophomore seasons. In an interview with NHL.com, Nill on the topic of John Klingberg went so far as to say that "We think we've got a chance of having the next Karlsson". That's a strong appraisal of a player coming off of his first season in the NHL, even if the assessment is a couched and projected one. Jim Nill's not alone, however:
Johnny Oduya says new Stars teammate John Klingberg reminded him of a young Erik Karlsson, thanks to his dynamic play this season
— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) July 15, 2015
But John Klingberg didn't have your typical first season in the NHL. As per the NHL's official site, Klingberg was 3rd among Dallas defencemen at 21:50 min ATOI, 2nd (by 1 second) in even-strength ATOI at 18:45 min, and 1st in PP ATOI at 2:56 min. He used that abundance of playing time to put 40 points up on the board, and was named to the NHL's All-Rookie team to boot. As a result of this very successful rookie season, Klingberg was signed to a 7 year deal worth $4.25 million per, bringing him a hair ahead of comparables Roman Josi, Cam Fowler and Jonas Brodin.
Now Klingberg is not without warning signs or warts. His 40 points in 65 games was greatly aided by a shooting percentage coming in at 11.2%, compared to Alex Goligoski's 36 points and shooting percentage of 3.3%. Additionally, his numbers away from Goligoski do take a notable dip at 5v5. But even with those cautionary notes, John Klingberg's contract seems the perfect example of a deal which will look like an absolute bargain in just a few seasons. And Jim Nill is banking on it.
And now, the news.
Central Division
Remember that time someone said Brent Seabrook was in line for a Dion Phaneuf-type deal? Let’s put trading him on the table. (Bleacher Report)
Duncan Keith opened up about his divorce in order to explain being absent from the coming Chicago Blackhawks Convention. (Yahoo! Sports)
It's doubtful Colorado can come anywhere close to mismanaging Mikhail Grigorenko to the same degree Buffalo did. Their relationship is off to a better start already, with Colorado bringing him aboard at a negligible cap hit while Grigorenko secured the one-way deal he wanted. (Mile High Sticking)
I can't read about Dallas' available cap space without imagining a smirk being broadcast in Chicago's general direction. (Defending Big D)
The Wild's Director of Player Development sounds pleased with how development camp went, though weirdly enough, I have yet to hear of any which were a total disaster. (FOX Sports North)
Mike Ribeiro and his wife have reached an out-of-court settlement with the former nanny who had brought a suit against them. (Nashville Post)
Nashville's loveable mascot Gnash continues to do good work throughout the offseason. (NHL)
The St. Louis Blues will probably make me eat crow on this, but I am still dumbfounded at how much they are banking on Jake Allen. I'm also really looking forward to a full year of "Ken Hitchcock is on the hot seat" talk. (The Hockey Writers)
And All The Rest
It's Back to the Future for the Anaheim Ducks, who have signed Shane O'Brien to a one-year, two-way contract. (Los Angeles Times)
Sean Burke is still an executive free agent, but it sounds like that won't last for much longer. (FOX Sports Arizona)
The pressure will be on surprise first round selection Zachary Senyshyn to justify Boston's faith in him. (NESN)
Word of those development camp crowds seems to have reached folks on Buffalo's business end, as they're now raising ticket prices across-the-board. (Buffalo News)
There are plenty of free agent options left which would improve the Carolina Hurricanes roster. Stop laughing, it's not that low a bar. (Cardiac Cane)
It's an exciting time to be a Columbus Blue Jacket, but Cam Atkinson is on-the-nose when he talks about how it all hinges upon staying healthy. (Greenwich Time)
The list of remaining Red Wings business to attend to reads: Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen and, wait for it, Daniel Cleary. "One of these things is not like the others, one of these things doesn't belong". (Detroit Free Press)
The Edmonton Oilers using their second buyout window makes far too much sense for it to actually happen, right? (Edmonton Journal)
Nick Shore's partially one-way contract would seem to cement his NHL roster spot, but look for Jordan Weal to try and muscle his way in there as well. (ProHockeyTalk)
Quirky but fun little story here about how an Englishman became a Montreal Canadiens fan. And to think, he began by looking at teams "that transcend their game and belong to a more illustrious realm of importance". My grasp of the English language is improved already. (Montreal Gazette)
Cory Schneider brings an active goaltender's perspective to the coming 3-on-3 overtime format. (NHL)
The New York Islanders aren't completely vacating Nassau County, as a new practice facility will be going up just five miles away from the old barn. (Along the Boards)
Eric Gryba's loss (and by loss, I mean trade to Edmonton's 3rd pairing) looks to be an opportunity for Jared Cowen to reestablish himself. (SensShot)
Flyers Head Coach Dave Hakstol is apparently going to be very entertaining to watch on television. (NHL)
One hopes that injuries won't continue to derail Beau Bennett's career. There's still a lot of potential in that already battered body. (Post-Gazette)
Your daily 2015 NHL Draft review series continues, today featuring the San Jose Sharks. (Hockey's Future)
And finally, T.J. Oshie continues to win the internet. (CBS Sports)
Thanks for reading! Be sure to say in the Comments section below how excited you are for 3-on-3 overtime!
