"I’m not expecting Klef to play," said Oilers GM Ken Holland when asked about the defenseman's status. Klefbom didn't play at all during the 2021-22 season following surgery to repair a chronic shoulder problem. He still has one more year left on his contract, which would make him a candidate for LTIR again next season if he remains on the roster and he isn't available to play. 

Klefbom is recovering from shoulder surgery. Although Klefbom said back in April that he was hoping to be ready in October or November, it sounds like that's optimistic. “I would say the chances of Klef playing in ’21-22 are very slim,” said Holland. “He’ll be in Stage 2 around the time of training camp, the six-month mark, which will allow him to skate by himself. I call that just poking around.” That likely influenced Holland's decision to acquire Duncan Keith. If Klefbom can't play in 2021-22, then he'd spend the season on the long-term injured reserve list, which would negate his $4,167,000 cap hit.

“It’s just going to take time,” agent J.P. Barry said. “It’s the kind of injury that I don’t think we’re going to have any clarity until the fall. He has to strengthen his entire body around the work that was done and give it a try. I don’t think we can provide any clarity until he fully rehabs it.” Klefbom said back in April that he was progressing following the procedure, but he wasn't sure when he would be ready to play. He missed the entire 2020-21 season, but still wants to resume his NHL career. There is also a chance that he won't be protected in the upcoming expansion draft if Adam Larsson re-signs beforehand. 

"I feel pretty good," Klefbom said on Friday. "It's going to take some time and obviously there's pain because of the surgery but just overall, I'm happy. I have a long way to go with the recovery." He isn't sure when he will be ready to return. "I wish I had more answers but we'll just wait and see," he said. "It's a big, serious surgery and we got to give it some time. For me to say I'll be ready in October or November or whatever, is impossible. We're just going to give it some time."