EDMONTON \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Klingberg, 33, signed a one-year $4 million<\/a> contract with the Sharks last off-season and has been a productive player. Although he has struggled defensively at times, the Sharks\u2019 blue liner was brought in<\/a> for his puck-moving ability. In 38 games this season, Klingberg has 10 goals and nine assists.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI really enjoyed my time here. It\u2019s a great organization, so it\u2019s gonna be a lot of fun, for sure,\u201d Klingberg told SHD. \u201cI mean, we\u2019re in the hunt for a playoff spot, but we\u2019re also just like, a few points behind them. It\u2019s a big test for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n The Sharks enter Thursday\u2019s 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\u2019 51, so ground can be made up with a victory tonight.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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,\u201d Klingberg said. \u201cObviously, with the kind of players that they have, it\u2019s gonna be a great test.\u201d<\/p>\n The players Klingberg is alluding to are Connor McDavid<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Klingberg isn\u2019t the only San Jose Sharks player returning to Rogers Place. Defenseman Vincent Desharnais<\/a> will play against the team that got him his NHL Debut. Although this isn\u2019t Desharnais first game in Edmonton as an opponent, he relishes the chance to play against his first team.<\/p>\n \u201cYou move your feet. That\u2019s one thing. You move your boots,\u201d Desharnais said about defending McDavid and Draisaitl. \u201cThose guys are good, and you gotta respect those guys, because if you try to cheat against them, it\u2019s not gonna work out.\u201d<\/p>\n