FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Stars fans have recognized the true greatness emanating from rookie defenseman John Klingberg practically since the moment he made his NHL debut last November.
But now that Klingberg, 22, who has 29 points (19 assists) in 40 games for Dallas and is an impressive plus-10, has continued delivering goals and assists while also handling his defensive responsibilities with the poise of a veteran blue liner, second-year Stars head coach Lindy Ruff feels the young Swede should be discussed as a candidate for the 2015 Calder Trophy, given annually to the NHL's top rookie.
"Well, I think there's justification there. I think it's hard when he's not in the spotlight or not in an area that maybe gets more recognition for a good young player, but he has definitely done stuff that has more than earned him some recognition towards the Calder from me," Ruff said after practice on Thursday. "And it's just not his points. It's who he plays against and how much he plays every night. He's becoming a defenseman that we're counting on in every situation."
Ruff is even trusting his young blueliner with arguably one of the most important roles on any team, and not one a rookie usually holds, quarterbacking the power play.
It's a role Klingberg struggled with initially, leading Ruff to replace him. However, since recently returning to that capacity, he has thrived.
"Yeah, well we had a little talk there couple games ago before I got the chance to play on the top power play unit," Klingberg said. "He (Ruff) wanted me to play the power play game where the other guys knew what I'm doing, so I'm not doing individual stuff that makes the other guys just stand there and don't know what I'm doing. Yeah, that's what I think he means with better decisions. I make plays that the other guys on the power play know I will do."
The young d-man has not only dazzled Stars fans with his quick and uber-deadly half-wrister from distance or his great vision to set up his teammates, but he has also impressed many with his incredible poise and ability to handle his defensive responsibilities with the absolute poise of a seasoned NHL defenseman, two things which seem to belie his actual age of 22.
But it's not like Klingberg has been focusing on being a steady offensive producer since coming to the NHL. No, he's instead been focused on playing well in his own end because he realizes if he does that, then the offense will soon follow.
"I think if I'm not focusing too much on the offense, I know it's going to be there anyway. If I try to focus too much on the offense, it's going to be weird," Klingberg said. "It's going to be like I'm trying to do too much, so if I just stay focused and play simple and good defense, I know the offensive chances are going to be there too."
Like rookies in any sport, the young Swede has been nothing short of a sponge since being recalled from AHL Texas last fall, learning all the lessons he can from his veteran teammates and taking any sage advice they happen to offer up to heart.
But one of his fellow defensemen admits that process might even be the other way around where they actually ask Klingberg for advice.
"I don't think he needs to pick our brain. He's pretty good already. I think it's the other way around really," Stars defenseman Jason Demers said jokingly. "No, he's been great. He's done his thing. He's a great kid. He works hard. He wants to win. When you see a guy like that, that young it's obviously good for the guys that have been in the league. It gives you a little extra jump, that young enthusiasm so to speak, especially in the later parts of the year, it's good to have that little extra motivation watching him and trying to be like hey, he's doing that. Maybe I can try something (like that also)."
But the Dallas fans haven't been the only ones who have been quite taken by the impressive plays Klingberg has delivered in his first half-season in the NHL.
Demers and his teammates have also been awed on several occasions by what their young talent is able to do with the puck seemingly on an almost nightly basis.
"It's always amazing to see a guy that young come in and with not much NHL experience just have that veteran poise and have that just fearlessness just to make those plays that he's made, which have been unbelievable. It's great to see, having a teammate like that on your side who can make those plays and be a game changer," Demers said.
He added: "We sit on the bench all the time looking at each other like hey, did you see that? When a guy can do that, it's something special. And if he keeps playing the way he's playing and just continue to grow, he's going to turn into a hell of a hockey player."
