EDMONTON — San Jose Sharks defenseman John Klingberg returns to face the Edmonton Oilers for the first time since he went to the Stanley Cup Final with them last season.

Klingberg, 33, signed a one-year $4 million contract with the Sharks last off-season and has been a productive player. Although he has struggled defensively at times, the Sharks’ blue liner was brought in for his puck-moving ability. In 38 games this season, Klingberg has 10 goals and nine assists.

Klingberg played 11 regular-season games for the Oilers and 19 playoff games. He averaged 19:08 TOI per game in the postseason, scoring one goal and one assist.

“I really enjoyed my time here. It’s a great organization, so it’s gonna be a lot of fun, for sure,” Klingberg told SHD. “I mean, we’re in the hunt for a playoff spot, but we’re also just like, a few points behind them. It’s a big test for sure.”

The Sharks enter Thursday’s game just five points back of the Oilers, who sit in second place in the Pacific Division. Edmonton has played 54 games compared to the San Jose Sharks’ 51, so ground can be made up with a victory tonight.

“The whole league has been so close this year. For us to be there just a few points back of that team and facing them for the first time today should be a really good test,” Klingberg said. “Obviously, with the kind of players that they have, it’s gonna be a great test.”

The players Klingberg is alluding to are Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid is first in the NHL in scoring with 92 points. Edmonton will also be looking to win a third straight game for the first time this season. The Sharks have achieved that feat, but can win a third straight game tonight.

Klingberg isn’t the only San Jose Sharks player returning to Rogers Place. Defenseman Vincent Desharnais will play against the team that got him his NHL Debut. Although this isn’t Desharnais first game in Edmonton as an opponent, he relishes the chance to play against his first team.

“You move your feet. That’s one thing. You move your boots,” Desharnais said about defending McDavid and Draisaitl. “Those guys are good, and you gotta respect those guys, because if you try to cheat against them, it’s not gonna work out.”

San Jose Sharks forward Jeff Skinner would also be making his return to the Oilers after playing for them last season, but he is a healthy scratch for the seventh straight game.