There’s no getting around the mismanagement of Oliver Kylington’s unrestricted free agency this summer. It’s a significant failure that the 27-year-old defenseman is no longer with the Calgary Flames.
Both Kylington and the Flames wanted his NHL career to continue there, so it’s surprising that it’s officially over now that the Colorado Avalanche have signed him to a one-year contract.
The details reveal the situation: a one-year deal worth approximately 1.05million,afarcryfromthe 2.5 million he earned with the Flames over the previous two seasons.
The reality is that no team was likely to offer more to a player who managed to fulfill less than a quarter of his last contract. Kylington’s representatives should have recognized that. While I’ve previously stated that Kylington didn’t owe the Flames any loyalty during free agency, his agent should have had a clearer understanding of his actual market value.
Despite showing glimpses of great potential, it’s been two years since his breakout season, where he scored nine goals and registered 31 points in 78 games during 2021-22, when he had the chance to play in the top four. That season, he averaged over 18 minutes on the ice per game and earned a two-year, $ 5 million contract in the offseason.
Fans were eagerly anticipating the sequel, but Kylington’s well-being took precedence for both him and the franchise. He decided to take the entire 2022-23 season off to focus on his mental health. When he returned to Calgary before last season’s training camp, it was soon announced that he would continue his health journey indefinitely.
Kylington’s return to the ice was promising; he displayed his talent while readjusting to NHL life, finishing the season with eight points in 33 games. The thought of him playing for another team seemed almost unimaginable.
But then circumstances changed. Reports indicated that Kylington’s camp wanted a longer contract, while the Flames were content to stick with the previous deal. After Kylington rejected the offer, the Flames moved on and signed hometown player Jake Bean instead.
Now, Kylington has found himself in a good position with the Avalanche, but he faces stiff competition on a crowded defense and has just one year to prove he can replicate his 2022 performance.
Although it appears to be a risky decision that may not have worked out—especially given Calgary’s lack of depth—it’s hard not to support and hope for success for the young player.
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