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Stars’ Klingberg ‘was a little bit surprised’ with seven-year deal

Calgary Flames v Dallas Stars

Calgary Flames v Dallas Stars

NHLI via Getty Images

Following a solid rookie campaign, which saw him finish fifth in Calder Trophy voting, the Dallas Stars rewarded defenseman John Klingberg with a new seven-year, $29.75 million contract.

It was a deal that surprised some, including Klingberg himself.

“I was a little bit surprised. I thought maybe a two-year or three-year deal, somewhere there,” Klingberg told the Stars’ website. “I talked to my agent, and he said Jim wanted to make a long-term deal, and I was really surprised. I was happy because I knew they were happy with how I played and wanted to sign me for a long time. It’s exciting when you know they trust you, and they think you can be a good player.”

The 23-year-old didn’t make the Stars’ opening night roster last season as he was recovering from hip surgery. However, after scoring four goals and eight assists in 10 AHL games with the Texas Stars, he was recalled by Dallas in November.

Klingberg finished with 11 goals in 65 games and led all Stars’ blue liners with 40 points.

His play had Stars’ GM Jim Nill comparing Klingberg to two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson.

“We think we’ve got a chance of having the next Karlsson,” Nill said in July. “We think (Klingberg’s) heading (in) that direction, and if he continues to improve, I think he will be that type of player.”

Klingberg, who represented Sweden at the world championship in the Czech Republic, ranked third among rookie defensemen in average ice time at 21:50 per game last season and was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team.

“I learned a lot, it was a lot of good experience last year,” Klingberg said. “With the good start I had and then the little bounce back and then to come back again, I think I played pretty good the whole year. I can’t put a finger on it, but I learned a lot the last year. It was a good year, and I am excited to start up again this year.”

Related: Dallas has ‘deepest bench of defense prospects in the league,’ says owner

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