Oscar Klefbom Retires from NHL at 31

In a heartfelt announcement, former NHL defenseman Oscar Klefbom has officially announced his retirement at the young age of 31. This news arrived on Thursday, catching the attention of fans and sports media alike.

Speaking in an interview with Nya Wermlands Tidningen, Klefbom reflected on his career, stating, “Now it’s finished. I’m very happy with my career. I’m just grateful to have had the chance to play as many games as I did, even though it was due to an injury. I gained a lot of confidence and participated in a fantastic adventure.”

Despite his gratitude, Klefbom also expressed a touch of sadness, saying, “There are really two sides to the coin, because while I’m thankful, I would have liked to be here today. On the ice. As a player.” His last appearance in an NHL game was during the 2020 playoffs, where the Edmonton Oilers faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Since that time, a shoulder injury has prevented him from returning to the ice, marking a premature end to a promising career. From 2016 to 2020, Klefbom stood out as one of the key defensemen for the Oilers, playing a pivotal role in their push towards the Stanley Cup.

During his best offensive season in 2016-17, he amassed 38 points in 82 games, showcasing his skills on a significant stage. Drafted in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft as the 19th overall pick, Klefbom played a total of 378 games, all with the Edmonton Oilers.