John Klingberg Announces Retirement After 12 NHL Seasons

Washington Capitals right wing Anthony Mantha fights with Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg during the third period at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on March 20, 2022. (Photo by All-Pro Reels)

Written by Gina Anton

For 12 seasons, John Klingberg made offense a significant part of his game from the blue line. Now, at 34, his NHL career has come to an end.

Klingberg announced his retirement Friday after finishing his final NHL season with 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 56 games for the San Jose Sharks.

While his career eventually took him through six NHL organizations, Dallas was where Klingberg made his biggest mark. He spent eight seasons with the Stars, appearing in 552 games and recording 374 points (71 goals, 303 assists). Among Dallas/Minnesota North Stars defensemen, those numbers rank third in both assists and points, while his 71 goals are tied for fourth.

Klingberg established his offensive impact early, earning NHL All-Rookie Team honors after recording 40 points in 65 games during the 2014-15 season. As his career progressed, injuries became an increasing challenge.

He reached a career-best 67 points in 2017-18 while playing all 82 games and earning an NHL All-Star selection. His ability to produce from the back end remained important when the games carried more weight, as he recorded 21 points in 26 playoff games during Dallas’ 2020 run to the Stanley Cup Final, finishing second on the team behind Miro Heiskanen.

Klingberg leaves the NHL with 443 points in 700 regular-season games. The numbers tell the story of a defenseman who made offense a central part of his game, but his eight seasons in Dallas stand out as the stretch that defined his place in the league.