Thrashers prospect Klingberg looking for more playing time

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

For Carl Klingberg, next season will be different.

If not, the Thrashers' prospect says, he will play hockey in North America and not his native Sweden.

Klingberg, the Thrashers’ second-round pick (34th overall) in 2009, played less than 10 minutes per game for Frolunda in the Swedish Elite League last season. In 42 games, he had six goals and seven assists.

“That was kind of disappointing,” Klingberg said of his limited playing time. “If I could have had five minutes more, I could have produced more. That’s how it is. I know this year is going to be better. Hopefully with my Atlanta contract in my back [pocket], my Swedish team will play me more.

"They are going to be forced to do it. If they don’t, Atlanta is going to bring me over to the AHL or NHL. That’s good. I know I’m going to play a lot next season. That’s what I want.”

Klingberg, 19, is one of 29 Thrashers prospects participating in this week’s developmental camp. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound forward said he played on the fourth line for Frolunda, a line that did not play in the final period. He also said he did not play special teams.

“That’s nothing I can control,” Klingberg said. “If coach doesn’t want to play me, he doesn’t want to. When I played, I played good. I’m happy with my season, but hopefully I’ll get to play more next season.”

Thrashers general manager Rick Dudley said he expects Klingberg to come to training camp in September, but likely return to Sweden.

“He’s a guy that you wouldn’t be surprised if he challenged for a spot on our team at all,” Dudley said. “He’s a big guy that skates well. He forechecks like a son of a gun. All the things we are looking for. He goes to the net hard. He plays in traffic. He’s a smart player.

Klingberg said he intends to play in Sweden next season and then return to the United States to join AHL Chicago for the remainder of its season. In Sweden, Klingberg said, he can work on the technical aspects of his game. That’s where he sees the biggest need for improvement.

“It’s more of a technical league,” Klingberg said. “The AHL is more physical. I am physical, so I don’t need that right now. I need to be more complete as a hockey player.”

Since participating in last season’s developmental camp, Klingberg said he has improved. He said he is better in the corners, can carry the puck much better and is putting the puck on net with more regularity.

Dudley thinks Klingberg may develop more rapidly in North America. “He’s one of those guys that it wouldn’t surprise you if his game grew at the NHL level, as opposed to the European level, because of the way he plays,” he said.

Klingberg will be back in the United States soon enough. After prospect camp and a vacation in Greece, he will return to play for Team Sweden in games against the United States and Finland from July 30-Aug. 7 in Lake Placid, N.Y., as part of preparations for next year’s World Junior Championships.

And one day, he hopes to return to start his NHL career.

“I’m already a Thrasher, but I will be a Thrasher here at least one year,” Klingberg said. “That’s my plan.”