Story Summary
John Klingberg announced his retirement from professional hockey after 12 NHL seasons and 700 regular-season games. The 34-year-old defenceman finished his playing career with 443 points (92 goals, 351 assists) and added 43 points (nine goals, 34 assists) in 82 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Klingberg recorded 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 56 games for the San Jose Sharks last season. Selected by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round (No. 131) of the 2010 NHL Draft, he spent eight seasons and 552 games with Dallas and also played for the Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers. His time with Dallas produced 303 assists and 374 points, ranking third all-time among Dallas/Minnesota North Stars defencemen, while his 71 goals with the franchise are tied for fourth. Klingberg made the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2014-15 and played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2018, when he posted a career-high 67 points (eight goals, 59 assists) in 82 games. He helped the Stars reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2020, contributing 21 points (four goals, 17 assists) in 26 playoff games.
Key Facts
- John Klingberg announced his retirement after 12 NHL seasons.
- He played 700 regular-season NHL games.
- Klingberg amassed 443 regular-season points: 92 goals and 351 assists.
- He added 43 points (nine goals, 34 assists) in 82 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
- Last season he had 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 56 games for the San Jose Sharks.
- Klingberg was selected by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round, No. 131, of the 2010 NHL Draft.
- He played for six NHL teams: Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks.
- He spent eight seasons and 552 games with the Dallas Stars franchise.
- With Dallas, Klingberg recorded 303 assists and 374 points, ranking third all-time among Dallas/Minnesota North Stars defencemen; his 71 goals with the franchise are tied for fourth.
- He made the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2014-15 (40 points: 11 goals, 29 assists in 65 games).
- Klingberg played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2018 and recorded a career-high 67 points (eight goals, 59 assists) that season.
- He had 21 points (four goals, 17 assists) in 26 playoff games during the Stars’ run to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.
IHM Discussion
Klingberg’s retirement closes the book on a career defined by offensive production from the back end. His totals – 443 regular-season points and 43 playoff points – underline a consistent ability to contribute on offence across several teams and systems. The numbers with Dallas establish him among the franchise’s more productive defencemen historically, and his All-Rookie selection and All-Star appearance mark distinct peaks within a 12-season span. While his final season return of 27 points in 56 games for San Jose is modest compared with his career highs, it demonstrates he continued to produce in a veteran role. His contributions during the Stars’ 2020 playoff run remain a prominent part of his legacy.
Why It Matters
Klingberg’s place in the Dallas franchise record books gives his retirement significance beyond his final stop in San Jose. His career also reflects the value of production from the blue line: he finished with 443 regular-season points and was a major contributor during Dallas’s run to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.
Mini Q&A
Who has retired?
John Klingberg has announced his retirement from professional hockey.
How long was Klingberg’s NHL career?
Klingberg played 12 NHL seasons and 700 regular-season games.
What were his career totals?
He finished with 443 regular-season points (92 goals, 351 assists) and 43 playoff points (nine goals, 34 assists).
Which teams did he play for?
Klingberg played for the Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks.
What are some of his notable achievements?
He made the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2014-15, played in the 2018 NHL All-Star Game, posted a career-high 67 points that season and contributed to the Stars’ run to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.
Coach Mark Comment
Klingberg’s career shows the impact a productive defenceman can have over time. His scoring totals, particularly with Dallas and during the 2020 playoff run, underline the value of receiving offence from the blue line as well as from the forward group.
IHM Final View
John Klingberg retires with a clear offensive résumé and a lasting place in Dallas franchise history. His numbers and playoff contributions, particularly in 2020, ensure he will be remembered as a significant attacking defenceman of his era.
