Stars' Klingberg on long-term deal: 'I was really surprised'
Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg did not make the team's roster out of training camp last year. Life has changed drastically for Klingberg since then. The evidence is in the contract: Klingberg, a player who fell just short of good enough last September, enters this year's camp with a seven-year deal on the books.
It's quite a turn of events, and one that has even Klingberg raising his eyebrows.
"I was a little bit surprised," Klingberg admitted to the Stars' website. "I thought maybe a two-year or three-year deal, somewhere there. I talked to my agent, and he said Jim wanted to make a long-term deal, and I was really surprised. I was happy because I knew they were happy with how I played and wanted to sign me for a long time. It’s exciting when you know they trust you, and they think you can be a good player."
The Stars have good reason to trust defenseman. Once Klingberg was recalled in November, he impressed with solid play in his own end and was a productive presence on the offensive side of the ice as well, posting 40 points (11 goals, 29 assists) in 65 games. Three of his 11 goals were game-winners. Those numbers were the best by any Stars defensemen.
The 23-year-old told the Stars website he hopes to play even better this season.
"With the good start I had and then the little bounce back and then to come back again, I think I played pretty good the whole year," Klingberg told the Stars' website. "I can’t put a finger on it, but I learned a lot the last year. It was a good year, and I am excited to start up again this year."
(h/t Dallas Stars)
