Flames Yet To Start Extension Talks With Young D-Man

So far this off-season, most of the talk around the Calgary Flames upcoming unrestricted free agents have revolved around Tyler Toffoli, who was swiftly traded, Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Mikael Backlund, but in that group of UFA’s are three names that aren’t quite drawing the same attention.

One name that is likely to stay from the other group is Oliver Kylington, who missed the entire 2022-23 season due to personal reasons, but now, according to General Manager Craig Conroy, the 26-year old is ‘excited’ and ‘looking forward to’ returning to the Flames this season. Despite that, the Flames are reportedly yet to begin extension talks, as they are likely waiting to see the shape he is in and what type of production he can bring before that happens, but it’s safe to say that after a career year during the fantastic 2021-22 campaign, he’s a big part of the future for this blue-line.

During that season, Kylington finally started to produce after years of showing great potential, tallying a career high 73 games, producing 9 goals and 22 assists for 31 points, and now, the team have a huge decision to make on his future. Given the lack of NHL ready players on the blue line, with just Rasmus Andersson, Mackenzie Weegar, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov penciled in around Kylington, as well as lack of elite prospects in the system, Kylington is a piece that the Flames need to have going forward.

Still, an extension doesn’t need to come this off-season, as the organization appear comfortable to let any of their 2024 UFA’s go into the 2023-24 season, and with the team looking to get younger, it’s likely Tanev or Zadorov that will be on the move, as Oliver is expected to be a top-four blue liner for this team over the next several years.

So what do you think Flames fans? Should Calgary extend Kylington this off-season? Do you see him as a big part of the future? Would you trade him instead? As always, let us know all your thoughts in the comments below.