Stars not actively shopping Klingberg, Holtby before deadline

It appears Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg and goaltender Braden Holtby are staying put.

Barring any overwhelming offers, general manager Jim Nill said he isn't looking to move two of his biggest trade chips ahead of the March 21 deadline, according to NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger.

Klingberg, a pending unrestricted free agent, has been on the trade block for most of the season. However, the 29-year-old's presence became critical for a team in the throes of a playoff race following the news that defenseman Miro Heiskanen is out indefinitely with mononucleosis.

"Let's be clear, I'm not calling teams about (Klingberg)," Nill said.

"We've talked to some people, and you always have to look at things. But our focus is on making the playoffs. That's very important to our franchise. John's a big part of that, and we'll just move forward."

Klingberg said in January that he didn't feel "appreciated" after his contract negotiations with Dallas stalled. Shortly after his comments, the Stars reportedly ramped up their efforts to trade the veteran blue-liner.

Nill added that he never actively shopped Holtby around, but Anton Khudobin's injury solidified his place in Dallas. Khudobin will miss the rest of the season after undergoing a right hip arthroscopy and labral repair earlier this week.

The Stars are one point behind the stumbling Vegas Golden Knights for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Klingberg averages 22 minutes of ice time a night and leads all Stars defensemen with 31 points in 51 games.

Holtby, 32, has rebounded in a big way after having his contract bought out by the Vancouver Canucks in July. He's logged a .913 save percentage and 2.78 goals-against average across 24 appearances this season.