The John Klingberg sweepstakes are beginning to heat up, with the Edmonton Oilers “a primary target” for the free agent defenceman, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Wednesday.

The Edmonton Oilers have had a strong 2024-25 campaign and seem poised to make a return to the postseason. They made some strong moves in the offseason to make up for the losses of Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg by bringing in Vasily Podkolzin and Ty Emberson,

John Klingberg struggled with health in the last couple of NHL seasons, only skating in 17 games last season. After having season-ending hip surgery with the Maple Leafs last season, Klingberg has spent time in Toronto training this season.

Klingberg hasn't played an NHL game since being in the lineup for Toronto vs. the Vancouver Canucks on Nov. 11, 2023.

John Klingberg is closing in on an NHL return, and the Maple Leafs, Senators and Oilers are all reportedly interested in the veteran D-man.