It hasn’t happened as quickly as some expected, but the Calgary Flames are still doing their best to work out a contract extension with Oliver Kylington.
Kylington’s journey has quickly made him a favourite amongst Flames fans. The 27-year-old has been open about his mental health struggles, which forced him to miss the entire 2022-23 season and a good portion of 2023-24.
After the long time off, Kylington was able to return to the Flames in late January. He wound up playing in 33 games, scoring three goals and eight points while averaging just over 17 minutes in ice time.
With the Flames in a retooling stage and not wanting to hand out expensive, long-term contracts, re-signing Kylington, who is set to become a UFA this summer, seemed like a no-brainer. Many figured a new deal could look similar to the two-year, $5 million contract he just finished out. It could be even less expensive, however, as AFP Analytics is projecting him to earn a cap hit of $1.18 million.
Speculation has since cooled, however, with little talk from either side about how things are progressing. Some even thought the recent acquisition of Kevin Bahl from the New Jersey Devils might mean that Kylington was no longer part of the Flames’ plans.
That said, TSN’s Salim Valji recently spoke with Flames general manager Craig Conroy, who confirmed the two sides are still speaking and trying to work something out.
Also asked him about blueliner Oliver Kylington, who remains unsigned: pic.twitter.com/fYiMYfhLwd
— Salim Nadim Valji (@salimvalji) June 19, 2024
The Flames currently have five defencemen from last season: MacKenzie Weegar, Rasmus Andersson, Daniil Miromanov, Joel Hanley, and Brayden Pachal, who are under contract, along with Bahl. They also have a few prospects, such as Ilya Solovyov and Jeremie Poirier, who want to crack the roster next season.
The Flames have 11 days to work something out with Kylington before he hits the free-agent market on July 1.
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