Rob Klinkhammer – A Return?

When the Oilers traded David Perron over a month ago, it looked like disaster for Edmonton. Since that point, the team has actually played decent hockey, a pleasant surprise that gives hope for the future. The team picked up a first round pick in the upcoming 2015 NHL draft, an extremely deep draft, and a throw-in player in the form of Rob Klinkhammer.

Thing is, that ‘throw-in’ isn’t much of a throw-in anymore. Rob Klinkhammer has come into his own with the Edmonton Oilers, a guy who fits an identity that this team wants to build. Klinkhammer is a blue-collar kind of guy who rolls up his sleeves and brings his lunch pail on most nights. It isn’t pretty with him, but it is effective.

Klinkhammer is your typical bottom-six forward at the NHL-level today. He’s got decent size, clocking in at 6’3” and 209 pounds, and he plays the style you would expect. He’s physical, willing to throw his body at every chance, but that isn’t all, Klinkhammer can actually play the game.

He’s a solid defensive forward who doesn’t make many mistakes and actually posts pretty decent possession numbers, which is a part of today’s game. On top of that, Klinkhammer is a perfect fit on the wagon line with Boyd Gordon and Matt Hendricks. This physical, defense first unit has been nothing but money this season.

Klinkhammer doesn’t post a ton of offense, but when you watch him, he does do some good things in the offensive zone. His line usually has a few solid shifts per game in the offensive zone, and almost always creates a solid chance or two per game. Eventually, some numbers will come, enough to pass for a solid fourth line, that is.

Klinkhammer brings Edmonton an element that they need, a tough and physical player who can actually play the game and be part of the solution. This player type is very important in today’s game, and can actually come cheap, which is good news.

Klinkhammer is set to be a free agent on July 1st, but I’d suggest Edmonton needs to re-sign him. Apparently, I’m not alone, as TSN’s Ryan Rishaug tweeted the following earlier this week:

@TSNRyanRishaug: Wouldn’t surprise me to see them (Oilers) sign Klinkhammer to an extension. Has been very good fit, and works as fourth liner next season. We’ll see

This would be another item crossed off the list for next season for Edmonton. Klinkhammer is a legit NHL player, and completes a fourth line that has been very effective at times this season, especially with Klinkhammer in the line-up. I’m guessing a deal would look like a one or two year pact worth somewhere between 900 K and $1.5 M per.

Edmonton needs character guys that will help build an identity in that locker-room and on the ice. He may not be a sexy name, but Rob Klinkhammer is a guy that fits the mold and can help moving forward. If Craig MacTavish can get him signed now, it will be truly help this bottom-six.