Oscar Klefbom announces end to NHL career in heartfelt swedish interview

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Sam Jones
August 8, 2024 (11:44)

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After a prolonged silence on his professional future, former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom has officially declared the end of his NHL career.

At just 31 years old, this revelation has come as a profound disappointment to many, particularly given the unfulfilled potential of his once-promising career. Selected 19th overall by the Oilers in the 2011 Draft, Klefbom's journey was fraught with challenges from the outset.

Prior to his transition to North America, Klefbom sustained a severe shoulder injury in 2012 that significantly altered his trajectory. Despite undergoing surgery aimed at correcting the issue, he confessed that his capabilities on the ice were irrevocably diminished. Over his tenure with the Oilers, Klefbom appeared in 378 games, often playing through considerable pain.

In a recent interview in Sweden, Klefbom shared insights into the personal struggles that accompanied his physical ailments.

»It is as it is. I wasn't quite done with hockey as a sport. But now it's over."

His words reflect a poignant resignation to the realities of his body's limitations.

The defenseman also disclosed that he had requested the Oilers to maintain discretion regarding his situation, a decision driven by the emotional weight of acknowledging his career's conclusion.

»It was a choice I made. I talked to Edmonton and said that I wanted to lay very low with what was going to happen and what the situation is. They were perfectly fine with that. From my side, it was also because I thought it was so difficult to talk about it.

Klefbom admitted that the psychological battle extended beyond discussions of his career, affecting his engagement with the sport itself.

I have barely watched a single Oilers game since I quit. It's been too hard. When I look, I just see myself there, see what I would do myself. It has been a struggle mentally."

Now residing in Sweden, Klefbom harbors aspirations of reentering the hockey world, possibly in a managerial capacity, suggesting his passion for the game remains undimmed despite the setbacks.

For Oilers fans and the wider hockey community, Klefbom's premature departure from the league is a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports careers. His determination and resilience, demonstrated throughout his years of playing through pain, will not be forgotten. As he transitions into the next phase of his life, the community watches with support and hope that his future endeavors will bring him fulfillment and joy.

Source: Hockey Sverige
Klefbom interview