Free-agent Klingberg lands with Ducks on a 1-year deal

The Ducks landed a prized unrestricted free agent Friday when they signed defenseman John Klingberg to a one-season, $7-million contract, solidifying their blue line after general manager

Pat Verbeek traded Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson before last season’s deadline.

Klingberg, considered to be the top free-agent defenseman available, had been on the market since the signing period began July 13. He had 71 goals and 303 assists in 552 career games over eight seasons, all with the Dallas Stars, who picked him in the fifth round (131st overall) of the 2010 draft.

“We are extremely excited to add John to our

Klingberg group,” Verbeek said in a statement released by the Ducks. “John is a gifted player who can quarterback a power play and give us needed scoring from the blue line. He also adds veteran leadership and character to our team.”

Klingberg, 29, could be paired with Cam Fowler on the Ducks’ power play, giving them two strong playmakers to trigger a first man-advantage unit that also could include Adam Henrique on left wing, Trevor Zegras at center and Troy Terry on right wing. Klingberg has 148 career power-play points.

What’s more, the addition of Klingberg enables Ducks coach Dallas Eakins to have a better opportunity to mix and match his veteran defensemen with a number of up-and-coming counterparts, including Jamie Drysdale, Simon Benoit, Urho Vaakanainen and, possibly, rookie Olen Zellweger.

Fowler, 30, and Kevin Shattenkirk, 33, were the only veterans in the Ducks’ defense corps after Verbeek shipped Lindholm to the Boston Bruins and Manson to the Colorado Avalanche before the deadline March 21. Klingberg’s addition gives the Ducks’ three proven veterans.

Verbeek also signed veteran unrestricted free agents Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano on the opening day of free agency, bolstering the Ducks’ forward ranks. Strome, who signed a five-year contract, set a career high with 21 goals last season with the New York Rangers. Vatrano, who signed a three-year deal, had 18 goals in 2021-22.

Verbeek still has plenty of salary cap space with which to work. Even after signing Klingberg, Verbeek has nearly $20 million to spend on free agents if he chooses to do so. As of Friday, the Ducks’ payroll was roughly $62 million, according to figures compiled by the website capfriendly.com.