Prospect on the Move: Carl Klingberg to New York

The New York Rangers have been very active today, and their prospects have been on the move. However, this time they pick up a new prospect as they send forward Lee Stempniak to the Winnipeg Jets for prospect Carl Klingberg. This is the second trade of the day for the Rangers, who sent prospect Anthony Duclair to Arizona for defenseman Keith Yandle.

Klingberg is a 24 year old forward who was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg) in 2009. He has played in twelve NHL games where he has one goal, but has played most of this season with the St John’s IceCaps of the American Hockey League.

The Swedish forward has 30 points in 51 games for the IceCaps this season. He had seen three games with the Winnipeg Jets where he had one goal last year. He’s played in two NHL games this season with no points.

His best career season came in 2013-2014 with the IceCaps where he had 43 points.

A second round pick, Klingberg isn’t a top level prospect but he works hard and charges towards the net. He’s a hard nosed player known for his work ethic. He has a big 6’3 frame and at 205 pounds, he does use his size to his advantage and is rather quick for his size.

Klingberg plays well in all three zones, so teams who like defensive minded forwards would like to see him in a bottom six forward role. He could see time with the Rangers this season if there is injury or they decide they want to add a different player to ignite a spark.

The former third overall pick does have an NHL future and was previously seen as a future top six forward with the Thrashers and then the Jets, but Winnipeg has drafted and developed so well that other prospects have leap frogged him in their system.

Klingberg ha seen some time playing internationally with Sweden. In 2010, he helped lead their junior team to a bronze medal. He had four points in that tournament to help lead that team.

It’s likely that Klingberg will be sent to the Rangers affiliate in Connecticut right away, but he could see NHL time later on with the blueshirts.

In a related note, to make room for Stempniak on Winnipeg, the team has sent forward Eric O’Dell down to their AHL affiliate in St. John’s.