After four years away from professional hockey, Klefbom, 31, formally announced his retirement in an interview with the local Swedish publication Värmlands Folkblad.
Due to a shoulder issue that he had been dealing with during his final NHL season, Klefbom has not participated in any games since 2021. Klefbom said to several Swedish media sites that he had tried to go back on the ice but was unable to do so without experiencing any pain.
Klefbom was taken by the Oilers 19th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, after being ranked sixth among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting. After helping Sweden win the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2012, Klefbom moved to North America for the NHL 2013–14 season.
When Klefbom was at his best, he was one of the best defensive players in the game and an important member of the Edmonton Oilers’ early Connor McDavid period.
Even if his playing days are coming to an end, 31-year-old Klefbom told VF that he will not be giving up on hockey. “I don’t feel old enough to sit at home and enjoy retired life,” he said.
Klefbom has 34 goals, 122 assists, and 156 points in 378 career NHL games. He also had 7 points in 16 career postseason games.
