Watching Kleven last year on top of hearing Staios talk about the D core I dont see any scenario he isnt playing on this team. He stated he was ready last year but they wanted him to get lots of reps. At the end of the year when they are out of it, I specifically watch players when I am at the games and he was one of the players I focused on, he is good. Amazing gap control and skating, really good stick. The thing that suprised me were his puck skills and patience. He made a few first passes where he waited out a forchecker then snapped it on the tape. Was expecting him to basically be an off the glass or D to D guy at this point. Apparently he had a big summer, I am expecting him to take another step.
The true competition is for the 3rd pair RHD spot. 5 guys fighting for it more or less. I expect JBD to win it but we will see.
It would not surprise me if Kleven ends up on a matchup shut down pair with either Jensen or Zub by the end of the season. He's a way better defender than Chabot. I really dont think they will run it the way you described. In a perfect world he is first PK and logs around 18 minutes a night.
