Klefbom last played in the NHL on August 7th, 2020, and has announced his retirement after seven injury-filled seasons with Edmonton. The 31-year-old leaves hockey early after he expressed that his career was now over in an interview with European news outlet NWT. In seven seasons with Edmonton, the heavy-shotted defenseman had 34 goals, 156 points and 74 PIMs.
Klefbom is dealing with a shoulder injury and GM Ken Holland said he's still deciding on surgery but will take off the entire 2021 season regardless. Klefbom is hoping to be ready for the fall, when training camp for 2021-22 beings. The Oilers prepared for this possibility, by signing Tyson Barrie to a one-year deal this fall. He'll fill in for Klefbom on the top power-play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Klefbom has missed the last nine games with a shoulder injury but will play tonight vs. the Blue Jackets. Klefbom will be back on the top pair with Adam Larsson and should be on the top power-play unit as well.
Klefbom was forced to leave Monday’s game vs. the Rangers but will play Wednesday vs. the Devils. Klefbom recently moved back to the Oilers top power-play, making him a great daily fantasy option against a struggling Devils squad.
Klefbom has not played since December 11th but will play Tuesday vs. the Blackhawks. Klefbom will not be back on the top power-play unit right away and returns with three goals and 12 assists (15 points) in 31 games this season.
Klefbom was listed as a game-time decision coming into Saturday’s game but will miss his 20th consecutive game. Klefbom is on the trip with the Oilers, so it’s possible he returns to the lineup on Sunday.
Klefbom was a full-participant in Friday’s practice and travelled with the team to Philadelphia for Saturday’s game. The early start means the Oilers will not have a morning skate so Klefbom’s status may not be revealed until warmups or right before puck-drop. All signs seem to point towards the 25-year-old playing his first game since December 11th.
Klefbom suffered a hand injury on Tuesday and the Oilers already expect him to miss multiple weeks. His move to IR opens up a roster spot for Drake Caggiula to be activated to the active roster.
Klefbom was forced to leave Tuesday’s game in Colorado and head coach Ken Hitchcock said that Klefbom will return to Edmonton to be evaluated but that he will likely be “out weeks, not days.” Klefbom’s injury should lead to Chris Wideman getting regular playing time and Darnell Nurse to take on a much larger role.
Klefbom missed the last two games after undergoing a “minor procedure” on his shoulder but he will play tonight vs.the Sharks. However, Klefbom is expected to undergo another procedure soon to “clean up” his shoulder and he will be shutout for the rest of the season at that point.
Klefbom will miss at least two games but they will determine if he needs more time off after the procedure. It has been a tough season for Klefbom, who has just 19 point (4G / 15A) in 63 games, which is a far cry from his 12 goals and 38 points last year.
Klefbom is apparently “feeling much better” after the Christmas break and head coach Todd McLellan expects him to play Friday vs. Chicago.
Klefbom has apparently been playing a little banged up and with Andrej Sekera’s return on the horizon, Klefbom will get a chance to take some time off. His move to IR means he will miss at least the next two games as the Oilers head into the Christmas break.
Klefbom missed Friday’s game in Buffalo because of the flu, but it looks like he will return to the lineup tonight in Bosotn. Klefbom has had a really disappointing first quarter of the season, posting just six points (2G / 4A) and a minus-14 rating in 22 games—however his 55.2 CorsiFor% and 3.0 shooting percentage on 67 shots (3.1 S/PG) suggests there are better days ahead.
