The Edmonton Oilers’ John Klingberg saw his play decline in recent seasons. However, it wasn’t just about form—it was physical. The issue was chronic hip pain that crept into his everyday life. Driving a car and walking normally—simple movements became painful. This wasn’t just a nagging injury but a full-on lifestyle disruptor.
Klingberg had already undergone two prior hip surgeries: one at 19 and another at 21, both to shave bone and improve mobility. But those weren’t enough. The pain kept building until even basic motion on the ice became restricted. As Klingberg said, “I felt like I didn’t move enough on the ice anymore. I couldn’t do the things I wanted to do professionally.”
Klingberg’s Procedure: Full Hip Resurfacing Surgery
With his career and daily comfort on the line, Klingberg opted for a major procedure: bilateral hip resurfacing. This metal-on-metal operation replaced damaged surfaces of the hip joint. Dr. Edwin Su, the same specialist who operated on Patrick Kane, performed the surgery in New York.
This wasn’t a decision Klingberg made lightly. He spoke with Nicklas Backstrom, who underwent a similar surgery, and weighed the long-term risks and benefits. The result? Both hips are now fully resurfaced with metal—a dramatic but necessary step to save his career and quality of life.
Klingberg’s Oilers Comeback: He’s Gained Motion and Eased His Pain
Post-surgery recovery wasn’t quick. Klingberg joined the Oilers midseason but had to sit out with an ankle issue, delaying his return to the lineup. Now, he says, the difference is night and day. His hips are improving weekly. Most importantly, “The motion is better, and the pain is limited.”
For a defenceman who thrives on movement, timing, and puck transition, that’s everything. The surgery has given him back the range he needs—not just to play, but to play confidently and creatively. “It’s exciting,” he says, “because the body is holding up.”
The Impact: Klingberg Provides Offence from the Back End Again
Klingberg’s hallmark has always been his passing—those slick stretch plays and creative zone exits. As his health returns, so too does his vision and poise. Analysts have pointed out the growing confidence in his game: longer, riskier, but accurate passes, more involvement in the rush, and smarter timing.
His skating has also improved. Klingberg is no longer compensating or hesitant on pivots. He’s moving freely again, which was a real struggle during his final months in Dallas. His ability to pivot and join the rush at the right moment separates him from a stay-at-home defenceman.
The Bottom Line: Oilers Klingberg 2.0 Is Making a Difference
The surgery might have been invasive, but the upside is clear. Klingberg’s body is catching up to his hockey mind again. He’s not just returning to form—he’s adapting, evolving, and maybe extending his career in a way that seemed unlikely a year ago.
If the timing continues to come together, Klingberg could be one of the Oilers’ biggest X-factors in the playoffs—less a rental, more a renaissance.
