Olivier Kylington faces new beginnings with Colorado Avalanche
Earlier this week marked a pivotal shift for former Flames defenseman Olivier Kylington as he inked a one-year, $1 million deal with the Colorado Avalanche.
This move came as a stark contrast to his prior expectations and previous contract terms. Kylington's last arrangement with the Calgary Flames afforded him a $2.5 million annual salary, and while both he and the Flames showed initial interest in continuing their partnership, the negotiation complexities led him elsewhere.
Kylington had set his sights on securing a contract similar in length and pay to his last with Calgary. According to reports from the Hockey News, he was pushing for a multi-year term that would mirror his previous salary. However, this proved to be a tough sell. Over the span of his last contract, which lasted two years, Kylington only appeared in 33 games. This limited participation significantly impacted his market value, as no teams were prepared to offer him both term and money.
The dilemma for Kylington was stark: Calgary was prepared to offer either a competitive salary or a longer term, but not both. Opting to test free agency rather than accept these terms, Kylington found that the market was not as receptive as he had hoped. Ultimately, he signed with the Avalanche for what is nearly a league-minimum salary, a decision that might have cost him financially in the short term.
"«The truth is no team was going to give a player who was able to fulfil less than a quarter of his previous contract any more than the team that had been nurturing his growth. Kylington's representatives should have known that.»"
Adding to the complexity of his situation, Kylington did not participate in the 2022-23 season, taking time away under the Player Assistance Program to address mental health concerns. He returned to play 33 games last season and performed adequately, yet he remains several seasons removed from his peak performance in 2021-22. That season had hinted at Kylington's potential to excel offensively from the blue line, showcasing brief flashes of elite capability. However, the brevity of this peak has made NHL teams cautious.
Joining the Avalanche represents a significant opportunity for Kylington. The team offers a robust defensive lineup and a consistent presence in the playoffs, providing him a platform to potentially revitalize his career and leverage his offensive skills. If Kylington can capitalize on this chance, it may pave the way for more lucrative deals in his future, effectively resetting his professional trajectory.
Source: The Hockey News
How Former Flames Defenceman's Gamble Backfired in Free Agency
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