How Former Flames Defenceman’s Gamble Backfired in Free Agency

There’s no sugarcoating the management of Oliver Kylington‘s unrestricted free agent status this summer. It’s a complete failure that the 27-year-old defenceman is no longer a member of the Calgary Flames.

Considering both sides wanted Kylington’s NHL career to continue with the Flames, it’s hard to believe that it’s officially over now that the Colorado Avalanche have inked the skilled but still unproven blueliner to a one-year deal.

The terms tell the story: One year. A reported $1.05-million. Far from the $2.5M he was earning with the Flames the previous two seasons.

The truth is no team was going to give a player who was able to fulfil less than a quarter of his previous contract any more than the team that had been nurturing his growth. Kylington’s representatives should have known that. And while I’ve previously written that Kylington owed the Flames no loyalty when it came to free agency, his agent should have been more aware of the blueliner’s true market value.

Kylington has shown flashes of great potential but it has been two years since his breakout of nine goals and 31 points in 78 games back in 2021-22 when an opportunity to play in the top four presented itself. He averaged more than 18 minutes a game that season, and earned himself that two-year, $5-million deal in the offseason.

Related: Oliver Kylington Leaves Flames to Sign UFA Deal with Avalanche

Fans were excited about the sequel, but Kylington’s wellness became the priority for both the player and the franchise. He took the entire 2022-23 season off to focus on his mental health. Kylington returned to Calgary ahead of training camp last season but it was quickly announced he’d be continuing his health journey indefinitely.

Kylington’s return was an exciting one. He showed flashes of his talent as he adjusted to life in the NHL again, finishing with eight points in 33 games. The idea he’d end up with any other team was net to impossible to imagine.

Until it wasn’t. Reports at the time were that Kylington’s team wanted more term. The Flames were happy to run back the previous deal. But after the Kylington camp turned down the offer on the table, the Flames moved on — signing hometown product Jake Bean with those funds.

Kylington landed in a decent spot in Denver, but he’s got a lot of competition on a deep Avs blueline, and has just one year to show the league he’s capable of his 2022 output.

It was a gamble that seems to have backfired considering Calgary’s lack of depth. But it’s tough not to bet on — and root for the young man.