The Edmonton Oilers won't roll out their newest addition right away.
Speaking with reporters on Monday, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said that defenceman John Klingberg won't play for "at least a week."
The veteran defenceman signed a one-year deal with the Oilers on Friday.
Klingberg appeared in just 14 games last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs before being placed on long-term injured reserve with a hip injury. He signed a one-year, $4.15-million contract with Toronto in free agency to add more offence from the blueline but struggled through the first two months of the season — with just four assists and was a minus-7.
The Swedish defenceman had issues with his hip before and had double hip surgery in 2014, but on Monday he said he's feeling great.
"I feel incredible," Klingberg said after hitting the ice with the Oilers for the first time. "I have way more motion and not any pain anymore... I'm very happy to be here."
Oilers superstar Connor McDavid was also on the ice at practice as he awaits a decision from the NHL's Department of Player Safety on the cross-check he made to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland.
Sportnest's Mark Spector reported that McDavid's hearing with the Department of Player of Safety took place shortly after practice and lasted about 20 minutes.
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