News broke on Monday afternoon as Oliver Kylington signs a new deal this summer. The deal is for one year and a total of $1.05 million. This is a good opportunity for both player and team.
$1.05M https://t.co/tu61zvf0jR
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 5, 2024
Oliver Kylington Signs New Contract With Colorado Avalanche
Kylington has only played his NHL hockey with the Calgary Flames. The 27-year-old has played six seasons with the team and took a break in the 2022-23 season to deal with personal mattters. He totaled three goals and five assists in 33 games in the most-recent season with the Flames. Kylington had a Corsi for of 47.5 and a relative Corsi of -5.5.
He has 17 goals and 38 assists for 55 points in 201 career games. Calgary originally drafted the Stockholm, Sweden native in the second round, 60th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. He also has a goal and two assists in 12 career Stanley Cup Playoff games. Kylington also spent two games with the Calgary Wranglers of the AHL this season. Moreover, he played the early part of his career when the affiliate was the Stockton Heat.
The veteran defender has also represented his native Sweden at the international level. Kylington has played on the Under-18 level and was part of the fourth-place team at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship.
What it Means for the Avalanche and Kylington
Injuries have been a problem for Kylington, but he can be a decent blueliner. He does have good skating skills and work his way out of a jam and carry the puck. Kylington is a bit undersized and that could be problematic in his own zone. Colorado should be able to shield him against high-pressure situations, to allow him to succeed.
However, a good defensive-minded partner can maybe help the blueliner emerge into a decent offensive-minded defenceman. There’s still time for Kylington to able to make some type of impact in his career. He just needs the right fit in order to help that along.
Main photo by: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports