Oliver Kylington‘s contract with the Calgary Flames seemed like a foregone conclusion just a few months ago. The 27-year-old had just made his triumphant return to the NHL following time off dealing with his mental health. By the end of the season, he was playing significant minutes again for the Flames. Oliver spoke highly of the treatment he received from the Flames organization during his difficult time and reiterated his desire to stay in Calgary during his exit interview.
During the season the Calgary Flames traded away two top-four defenceman in Noah Hanafin and Chris Tanev. They also traded Nikita Zadorov, opening up a number of spots and plenty of playing time on the backend. These moves all but guaranteed Oliver Kylington would get the opportunity to play top-four minutes for the Flames. A perfect situation for both sides. However, just before the start of free agency it became clear that no deal was imminent, and Oliver Kylington remains unsigned.
What Went Wrong With the Kylington Contract
So What Went Wrong?
Well, like usually is the case everything comes down to money. From the outside looking in, a simple do-over of the exact contract that had just expired made perfect sense, another two-year, $4 million dollar deal. The Flames provide Kylington with a bit of term and show good faith by giving him the same number he agreed to after his breakout campaign in 2021-2022. However, as Darren Dreger reported, it appears that Kylington is looking for a raise despite playing just 33 of the potential 164 NHL games during the past two seasons.
Good intel from @salimvalji. Kylington has put in the work to get back to the NHL. He’s hoping for a two year contract and a slight bump on his salary. First crack at unrestricted free agency. There should be a market for him. https://t.co/KfDMcw1KNM
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 30, 2024
Though we do not know for sure the contract Oliver Kylington was asking for, it’s clear the Flames aren’t willing to pay it.
What’s Next for the Flames?
The Flames appear to have moved on. Signing defenceman Jake Bean to a 2-year, $3.5 million dollar contract and all but closing the door on a return for Kylington. In Bean, the Flames are getting a 26-year-old defenceman with good skating and puck-moving ability. Bean has shown potential to be a good NHLer, but has lacked consistency. He is coming off his first full NHL season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He profiles very similar to Kylington and the Flames were able to get him at a lower cost than what it appears Kylington and his camp are seeking. Bean is a Calgary native who played the majority of his junior hockey with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. The Flames will be hoping that a return home can help him finally reach his potential.
What’s Next for Kylington?
Oliver Kylington will eventually sign a new contract with an NHL team. That team will be getting a defenceman with top-four upside, who has shown he can be a productive NHLer. Kylington is a great skater who can easily keep up with the pace of play in the NHL. He is a good puck mover and has good offensive instincts. At this point in the year, most NHL teams have built rosters to a point they are comfortable with heading into training camps. Kylington will need to convince an NHL team that he is a clear upgrade over their current situation or lower his contract expectations.
Right now this story feels dissatisfying. Kylington’s return to hockey last year was arguably the best moment of the Flames season. It would have been a great story to follow moving forward in Calgary, especially if Kylington could return to his potential. Unfortunately for all parties involved it didn’t work out and now fans will have to cheer for Oliver Kylington the person on a new team.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
