I'm starting to think Klefbom will develop into the #1D that we need. He's been trending up very nicely for a while now. Really there's no reason to think that he can't be a legit #1D in this league. When Keith was at the same age as Klefbom he was in his 1st NHL season, putting up 21 points in 81 games. Similar stories with Chara and Subban. Not every #1D develop like Doughty.
I'm really liking how Klefboms game is coming together. He has everything you want in a d-man. Size, skating, physical and his offensive game is coming together too. He has only played 107 NHL games. Give him the rest of this season and another full year and going into 17/18 season he might be a #1D in this league and a very good one at that.
Everyone is looking for a #1D but perhaps we don't realize that we have one right here developing in front of our eyes. That's why I wouldn't get hung up on trading for specifically a #1D. A #2 or #3 would suffice. Between Klefbom, Sekera, Nurse and another #2/#3D we'd actually have a pretty strong group on defense. If Hamonic is as good as advertised he'd be a really good addition. With him we could be looking at one of the best bluelines in the NHL 2-3 years from now.
This is my thinking almost exactly. Klefbom is still a really young D, but hes already proven a decent amount. His performance this year and last is pretty good considering he has been paired with Schultz and faced some of the toughest comp. Almost none of his comparables have faced those two things. Theyve either had a good partner, or faced easy comp. Yet his defensive metrics are just as good. And by eye hes looking very good considering the circumstances. We really need to focus on developing him. I think itd be beneficial to land a Hamonic to handle defensive side of things so he can be free to rome and be more offensive. Also land another top 4 guy to spread the minutes around
When I look at the tools of a top pairing #1D, Klefbom checks off all the boxes. He really doesnt have any limitations, aside from some brain farts. But dude has very little help and facing tough comp. He dragging his partners up, not being propped up by them. I think we are growing our top pairing guy in our own backyard. We dont need go to market just yet. Plus hes making 4.125 mil for 8 years, thats going to be a bargain
Heres two players at age 22
Player X
48 GP- 24 points
1.03 pts/60
50.4% possession player
40.98 FA/60 (shots against)
Player Y
30 gp 12 points (19 points over 48 GP)
1.07 pts/60
51.4% possession player
37.98 FA/60
X=OEL Y= Klefbom
OEL then went on to explode on the scene. I suspect Klefbom is doing the same
