Kylington's Fresh Start: Avs Sign Former Flames Defenseman to Crowded Blueline

The Colorado Avalanche have further bolstered their blueline by signing defenseman Oliver Kylington to a one-year contract for the 2024-25 season. The addition of the 27-year-old puck-moving offensive defenseman is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Avs, who hope to tap into Kylington’s potential and versatility.

But it sure is looking a little crowded on Colorado’s backend (which isn’t necessarily a bad problem to have)… and the signing comes as a little bit of a surprise.

The Calgary Flames moved on from two highly coveted offseason targets in Nikita Zadorov and Chris Tanev this past season. Last year, Kylington primarily played a second pair role with Rasmus Andersson and it was believed that he could assume an important top-4 role with Calgary this summer if they could find the right term.

It looks like they couldn’t. On August 5th, the Avs signed him to a contract worth $1.05 million. It’s a low cap-hit for a defenseman with his upside.

Notably, cap space is becoming tight with respect to Gabriel Landeskog and Val Nichushkin’s contracts (estimated cap space at $2,066,250 via PuckPedia). Balancing the cap will be crucial as the team completes its 2025 puzzle.

Kylington joins the Avs after a challenging period in his career. He appeared in 33 games for the Calgary Flames during the 2023-24 season, registering eight points (3 goals, 5 assists). His return to the ice was notable, as he had missed the entire 2022-23 season and the first half of the 2023-24 campaign to tend to his mental health.

Kylington’s perseverance and dedication were recognized when he was named one of three finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

Originally drafted in the second round by the Flames in the 2015 Draft, Kylington has recorded 55 points (17 goals, 38 assists) in 201 career NHL games. His breakout year came during the 2021-22 season, largely influenced by his pairing with Chris Tanev.

Tanev, a reliable two-way defenseman, helped Kylington shed reservations in his game, leading to fewer mistakes and improved confidence. The result was a season of career-highs in goals, assists, and points, solidifying his role in the NHL.

Kylington contributed to Calgary’s power play in 2022 and even transitioned to some sheltered PK time this past year. While his special teams play is limited, it speaks to his versatility. Though he’s left-handed, he can play on his off-side too.

His 5v5 Corsi-for percentage dipped compared to his breakout season alongside Tanev, but it was his first season back after an extended absence. The Flames themselves experienced struggles, finishing fifth in the Pacific and missing out on playoff contention.

Kylington’s career trajectory took a turn when he stepped away from the Flames in 2022 to attend to personal matters. His absence was felt, and his return to the lineup in January 2024 marked his first NHL game in eighteen months.

Now with the Avalanche, Kylington joins a crowded blueline following several offseason signings, including Erik Brannstrom and Calvin de Haan. His offensive instincts align well with Colorado’s fast-paced, puck-moving style, but the question remains: is it too much of a good thing?

Among players with a similar play-style: Cale Makar, Devon Toews, and Sam Girard at the top, and Brannstrom bringing his puck-moving skills to their depth, it will be a challenge for others like Sam Malinski (whose calling card is similar and whose NHL role isn’t guaranteed), to find a spot. Kylington’s addition makes the competition even steeper. Each player offers something the Avs want in the lineup, so it will be a true battle during camp and preseason.

Brannstrom has a decent shot, good hands, and untapped potential coming out of Ottawa’s system. Brannstrom can play on his off-side as well.

Malinski, a true right-shot, has a top-speed in the 88th percentile of skaters and found ways to produce quickly at the NHL level. He made mistakes, but he also learned from them.

Kylington is a blend of both with quick speed and a quick release. His experience gives him an edge over Malinski’s 23 NHL games played.

For the Avs, Kylington represents an intriguing addition. His ability to contribute offensively and play in various situations makes him a valuable asset, though not without some risk. He remains somewhat untested, and his ceiling is not yet fully known.

As Colorado looks to solidify its roster for the upcoming season, this signing could prove to be a pivotal depth move in their quest for the Cup.