Klingberg Is Done. Minnesota's Blue Line Keeps Getting Thinner.

John Klingberg retired this week after 700 NHL games and 443 points — a career that included a Stanley Cup Final run and an All-Star appearance, most of it built on a shot and a skating stride that made him one of the better offensive defensemen of his generation. He wasn't part of Minnesota's plans going forward, so this doesn't move the roster. It's still worth noting.

What it does is add one more name to a list of defensemen who are no longer here. Jonas Brodin and Zach Bogosian have been sidelined since late June — nine weeks now — and neither has been cleared. The injury crisis that consumed this offseason hasn't spared the blue line, and Klingberg's retirement, however ceremonial in terms of roster impact, is a reminder of how much veteran depth has quietly drained out of this organization over the summer.

Brock Faber is the anchor and he's earned that designation. But behind him, the picture gets thin fast. David Jiricek saw his ice time fall off sharply down the stretch last season, which raised questions about his role heading into camp. Olli Maatta arrived from Calgary in July and figures to help. That's about where the comfortable names end.

Training camp is close. The defensive group Minnesota puts on the ice opening night will look different than anyone drew it up in June — and not entirely by design.