The Carolina Hurricanes have called the Dallas Stars regarding defenceman John Klingberg‘s trade availability, Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek reported during the 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada.
The 29-year-old is in the final season of his seven-year, $29-million contract. As reported on 32 Thoughts earlier in the season, Klingberg’s representation wants an extension “in the neighbourhood of an eight-year contract in the mid-60s.” Marek reported that the Stars aren’t there right now.
With the 2021-22 season approaching its one-quarter mark, trade chatter is starting to occur. Teams have started contacting the Stars regarding Klingberg’s availability. The Stars have a 9-7-2 record, currently sixth in the Central Division.
One of those teams is the Hurricanes, who are tied with the most points in the NHL (31), leading the Metropolitan division with a 15-3-1 record.
“It’s a team that’s always looking for superstar players,” Marek said. “This team was in the Jack Eichel sweepstakes when he was available from the Buffalo Sabres. The owner likes stars, the hockey operations department likes good players.”
The Stars haven’t expressed intentions of trading Klingberg, according to Marek.
“This is a team that has playoff aspirations. But that hasn’t stopped teams from calling.”
In 14 games this season, Klingberg has zero goals and seven assists.
