I think that outside of two miserable games in a row for Kylington last season, he made few errors. I also thought it was a mistake to trade for Fattenberg, and then for Forbort/Gustafsson - but I understand why they did so. There is zero argument to be made - WITH HINDSIGHT - that those trades moved out needed assets + removed valuable development minutes. I understand why Treliving did it of course, but in hindsight, this organization would have been a bit further ahead had he not.
As for Kylington not showing offence - I think it has a lot to do with the system. Most defencemen took a hit on their production this year, and with him being on the third pairing and no PP time, I don't think you can reasonably expect him to produce much. He does have a really nice shot - both a wrister and slapper - and he excels at moving the puck. A quick transition coupled with a pat on the back from Ward encouraging him to jump into the rush now and then will go a long way I bet.
If the Flames end up re-signing Brodie (which I am REALLY hoping for), then I think they are fine on defence.
Giordano - Brodie
Hanifin - Andersson
Valimaki - Kylington
Mackey - Yelesin
Mackey seems further developed than just a guy turning pro, but could use seasoning on the farm to start at least, and then come up and play injury minutes. Yelesin I thought looked like a decent option as well - a bit raw, but much stronger than I expected.
You only really need to sign a 7th D - not a 5th or a 6th - those spots should belong to Valimaki and Kylington. I think they are both ready. Get a cheap 7th D and you are done on defence - and it isn't going to cost you all that much either, so you can use the savings for the goalie/forward holes instead.
I would actually like to see Kylington get some reps on PP2 and see how he does. I bet he impresses.
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