Former 1st round pick has career cut short due to injury at just 30 years old

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Mike Armenti
July 23, 2023 (12:56)

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When the Edmonton Oilers drafted Oscar Klefbom with the 19th overall pick back in 2011, it appeared as though they had landed a potential top pairing defenseman with both size and skill who they could build around. Unfortunately, fate had a different idea, as injuries derailed his career young and kept him sidelined for much of his 7 years in the NHL and keeping him out of action entirely over the past 3 years.

Klefbom played his last game on August 7th, 2020 in the NHL's bubble playoffs. Following the playoffs, the Karlstad, Sweden native underwent surgery on an arthritic shoulder in hopes of providing him with some relief and allowing him to extend his playing career. Unfortunately the surgery was unsuccessful and Klefbom underwent a second surgery in March or 2021.

On July 1st, Klefbom's contract with the Oilers, which carried a cap hit of $4.167M, has finally expired. Now, Edmonton Oilers broadcaster Bob Stauffer has shared some unfortunate information regarding the 30-year-old's future, confirming that Klefbom's career is officially over.

Oscar Klefbom turns 30 today.
Led the @EdmontonOilers in TOI the last 4 seasons he played 60+ games.
Minute-muncher who could play in every situation.
Well-liked teammate.
Very good pick in 2011 (19th overall).
Unfortunate career got cut short due to injury

The Oilers had very high hopes for the former 1st round pick, as did the fanbase, so this one must be a tough pill to swallow. Klefbom ends his NHL career with just 378 games played in the regular season and just 16 games played in the postseason. He managed to accumulate 156 points over his short career.

Whatever comes next for Oscar, we wish him the best of luck.

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If Oscar Klefbom stayed healthy would the Oilers have won a Cup?
Yes, they would have	17	25.8 %
No, probably not	32	48.5 %
Who knows?	17	25.8 %
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