Former Maple Leafs defenceman announces retirement after 12 seasons in NHL
Former all-star and Stanley Cup finalist called it a career on Friday after playing 12 seasons in NHL including one in Toronto.
John Klingberg, a two-time Stanley Cup finalist and 13-year veteran in the NHL, has announced his retirement at the age of 34. Klingberg, who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 221 pounds, enjoyed a distinguished career that included 700 NHL games, 92 goals, 351 assists, and 443 points. His career highlights include two appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals, one with the Dallas Stars in 2020 and another with the Edmonton Oilers in 2025, both of which ended in heartbreaking losses.
Klingberg's most productive season was with San Jose, where he posted 27 points in 56 games during the 2025-26 season. Injuries, particularly hip and foot problems, became a major challenge in his final years, forcing him to undergo multiple surgeries and leaving him with a challenging decision to call it a career. Despite the setbacks, Klingberg's impressive résumé, which includes 700 NHL games and two Stanley Cup Finals appearances, cements his place as one of the most accomplished Swedish defensemen of his generation.
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