John Klingberg Retires From NHL At 34, Fans Can't Stop Talking About One Decision

John Klingberg has announced his retirement from professional hockey at 34, ending a 13-year NHL career that saw him play 700 regular-season games. The Swedish defenseman made the announcement through the NHL Players' Association on Friday after spending the 2025-26 season with the San Jose Sharks. Klingberg will now begin a new chapter in hockey, joining Swedish broadcaster SVT as a hockey expert. His career included two Stanley Cup Final appearances and stops with seven NHL teams.

Why Did John Klingberg Decide To Walk Away From The NHL At 34? 

Klingberg's decision comes after years of dealing with hip problems, including three surgeries during his career. He said his body eventually could not keep up with the demands of playing and that his motivation had also started to fade.

Now, Klingberg will stay close to the game in a different role. He will work with SVT's national team broadcasts, including the Junior World Cup and Euro Hockey Tour. Speaking about the opportunity, Klingberg said, “It feels very inspiring, actually. It's something that I've thought I could do well moving forward in life when I'm done with hockey. So I'm very excited to get this chance.”

He also said he believes he can bring a different view of the sport to his new role, adding, “I think I can come in and see hockey from a different perspective...”

John Klingberg's Retirement Brings His Dallas Contract Decision Back To Fans 

Klingberg's retirement also brought back memories of his time with the Dallas Stars, especially his decision to turn down a reported eight-year, $7 million annual contract during the 2021-22 season. Several fans brought up that decision while reacting to his retirement announcement.

• JON (@neiljmack) said: This guy will forever be known as failing to secure the bag with Dallas. His greed cost him tens of millions
• Heavy Kevy (@kevin_tweetham) wrote: Thank you for the countless Fantasy Points John! You will always have a special place in my heart, all the best in retirement 
• Dennis D (@drwhipper) said: Always remember him for turning down that big contract from Dallas because of greed. It cost him millions.
• Two Guys Hockey Talk (@hockey_two) wrote: Wishing him all the best in the future, but I do remember him potentially getting 8 by 8 from Dallas, and how that would have gone if he accepted that contract.
• DTomko_ (@podgoalzin17) said: He'll be remembered most for the biggest bag fumble in hockey history. Sometimes don't bet on yourself kids!

Klingberg finished his NHL career with 92 goals, 351 assists and 443 points in 700 regular-season games. He also recorded 43 points in 92 playoff games. With Dallas, he had 374 points in 552 games and helped the Stars reach the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. He later reached the Final again with Edmonton in 2025. In his final season with San Jose, he posted 27 points in 56 games.