Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington couldn't finish Saturday's Battle of Alberta against Edmonton, exiting the contest late in the third period. He was hurt in a collision with teammate Nazem Kadri. Kylington logged 17:19 of ice time but didn't register any meaningful stats other than two penalty minutes. The Swedish blue-liner, who missed the entire 2022-23 season for personal reasons, has had five points (two goals, three assists) in 28 games during his comeback campaign with 44 blocks. Nikita Okhotiuk could get a place in the lineup if Kylington needs a bit of time to heal.
Oliver Kylington Could Make Long-Awaited Return Thursday
Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington could make his long-awaited return to the lineup Thursday night versus the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets. The rearguard hasn't appeared in an NHL game in nearly 20 months due to personal issues but recently got back into game action with the Flames' AHL affiliate Calgary Wranglers, collecting four penalty minutes in two appearances. It appeared the 26-year-old was well on his way after tallying nine goals and 31 points in the 2021-22 season but he did not play at all in 2022-23 and has missed the Flames' first 47 games of this season. Technically, he is currently ineligible to play because he is still on long-term injured reserve but it appears likely that will change prior to game time.
Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington is not taking part in the start of training camp. "Following yesterday's medical and fitness testing, it was determined that Oliver is unable to participate in the opening of training camp today. As this is a private personal matter, no further information will be provided," the Flames said in a statement. Kylington missed the entire 2022-23 for personal reasons. He has been expected to return to action in the upcoming campaign, but it looks like it will take some more time until we get to see him on the ice again.
Oliver Kylington Ready To Return To Action Next Season
Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington is ready to make his return to the NHL after missing the entire 2022-23 campaign to focus on his mental health. "It was a very challenging year for me personally," Kylington told Swedish outlet HockeyNews, according to a translation. "These are things that have been going on in the family for many years but which escalated to get worse and there were mental and psychological problems I suffered from." Kylington had a breakout year in 2021-22 with 31 points (nine goals, 22 assists) in 73 games before taking a season off. "I think I dealt with the problem like maybe everyone else does, by just sweeping it under the rug and putting the lid on," Kylington added. "But for me, it led to mental illness and I felt very bad about how I dealt with my problems and almost went into the wall and felt that now it's enough I needed to face these problems we had as a family and today I am incredibly grateful for this journey I started and then had to finish." The 26-year-old also said in the interview that he's feeling "great" now and is looking forward to the new season. Kylington's addition will be a nice boost for Calgary's backline.
Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington sustained an undisclosed injury in Thursday's 3-2 shootout loss to Los Angeles. He left 5:40 into the third period after hitting the boards following a stick check by L.A.'s Rasmus Kupari. The team hasn't yet provided an update on Kylington's status. The Swedish blue-liner has been part of a very effective defensive duo with Christopher Tanev and boasts 27 points in 64 games for the season with a plus-26 rating, 124 shots, 34 hits and 68 blocks. Tanev skated with Michael Stone when Kylington recently missed a pair of games with a lower-body injury. The two will likely link up again if Kylington is forced to miss time. The team continues the season on Saturday against St. Louis.
Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington (lower body) is expected to be back from a two-game absence Wednesday against New Jersey. Michael Stone will make way for him. Kylington has been quiet lately, but it's been a solid campaign overall for the Swede with 25 points, 31 hits, 62 blocks and a superb plus-26 rating in 56 games. He'll rejoin Christopher Tanev on the second defensive pairing and also skate on the second power-play unit.
