Kylington Explains Why He Chose The Avalanche, Thankful For Flames

The newest defenseman on the Avalanche, Oliver Kylington, discussed why he decided to sign with Colorado in a new interview over in Sweden.

Speaking to Hockeynews.se, Kylington made it sound like the Avalanche made him feel like they really wanted him.

“Calgary was still in the picture for a very long time, but I think it’s a new challenge and new environment, a new team. It was right on time,” he said. “Coming to a team like Colorado with the players they have and the seasons they’ve had behind them. It was very compelling factor that they wanted me so much that I felt that all the pieces beyond that felt natural to choose. It felt good considering how hungry they were. I am involved in a new start in a new organization.”

The 27 year old defenseman missed the entire 2022-23 season to take care of his mental health. He discussed how good the organization and fans were to him during that time, as well as how they responded upon his return last season.

“The response and all the dealing with everything that happened in my private life, I am so grateful for how Calgary met everything and how they were there for me,” he said. “Still, we have worked with each other for a very long time. However, I have been in the organization for eight years. There was a genuine understanding of everything.”

Kylington will come to camp looking to earn a permanent spot on the Avalanche blueline. There’s no question that his skating fits perfectly with how Colorado likes to play, but he’ll have to show he can take care of his own end as well. The Avalanche have to be hoping they can unlock the Kylington that appeared during the 2021-22 season, as he put up a career high 31 points that year while averaging over 18 minutes a night. He’ll fight it out for ice-time on the bottom pair with the likes of Calvin de Haan and Erik Brannstrom.

Hearing that he has no relationship with his family right now is tough to hear, but it sounds like he’s in a good place. You can read more from the interview below.

Oliver Kylington interviewed with a Swedish media member since signing with Colorado. It's behind a paywall, but here is what I could gather. #Flames pic.twitter.com/D6oaWIEoyS

— Yegor Sharangovich replaced Breadman (@FierySharky) August 8, 2024