Retired Oiler Oscar Klefbom joins broadcast: ‘It’s hard to explain how much I want to be on the ice’

Speaking to Principe, Klefbom shared the feeling of being back in Rogers Place attending a game.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s really good to be here again in Edmonton and see all the fans and all the people, and obviously the team.”

Klefbom last played in the NHL back in August 2020 in the covid-adjusted Stanley Cup playoffs’ qualifying round, before finally being sidelined for good by injury after dealing with issues throughout his career. While he has come to terms with his situation, he says he still longs to be out there with his team.

“It’s hard to explain how much I want to be on the ice,” said the now 31-year-old. “Obviously I wish them the best and obviously I wanted to be there last year in the run, but now I’ve got another perspective on life.”

The 6-foot-3, 216 lb. defenceman was considered a top prospect for the team when he was taken 19th overall by the Oilers in the 2011 entry draft, but the troubles started early for him with major shoulder surgery before even coming to the NHL.

Across seven seasons with the team, he had 156 points in 378 matches, adding two goals and seven points in 16 playoff appearances. He became a fan favourite due to his strong defensive presence that came as the tide shifted in Edmonton and they found their way to the postseason once again.

It was a tough pill to swallow for Oilers fans when they lost Klefbom, uncertain if he would ever return, but now they can at least be comforted to know he’s physically and mentally doing a lot better.

“It’s good, no pain whatsoever,” he shared. “Maybe a little bit weaker than I used to be, but I got a good quality of life back home in Sweden and I’m really happy how it turned out. Obviously not the way my hockey career turned out, but I’m happy the way the shoulder is.”

While it’s a shame to see him on the desk and not on the ice, Principe summed up the feelings of Edmonton fans, saying, “I know every Oiler fan would love to see you out there but they’re happy to hear that you’re feeling good and that is what’s most important.”