Top defenseman signs with Ducks

The Ducks signed John Klingberg to a one-year, $7-million contract Friday, landing the top defenseman on the free-agent market.

The offense-minded Swede is leaving Dallas, where he had spent his entire NHL career while racking up 71 goals and 303 assists in eight seasons with the Stars. He had six goals and 41 assists last season, although he was a careerworst minus-28.

Klingberg’s offensive skills and shot-blocking give an immediate boost to the Ducks, who also can use his right-handed shot and puck movement on the power play. Klingberg scored 20 points while Dallas had the man advantage last season, and he has 148 career points on the power play.

“We are extremely excited to add John to our group,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said. “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.”

Klingberg has been recognized as one of the league’s best offensive defensemen since the 2020 playoffs, when he scored 21 points in 26 postseason games while Dallas reached the Stanley Cup Final.

Klingberg, who turns 30 next month, had been seeking a long-term deal as the top available defenseman.