I don't begrudge him. Kylington only has a certain amount of time left to play out his career - it is more than half-over since turning pro, right? I mean, it is likely half-over at least. If he can cash-in somewhere, all the power to him.
I am curious as to whether he has more runway left to develop, or if it has been eaten up already. Certainly in terms of games played, he has a lot more room to improve, but he is 27. He had that covid bubble year where he didn't play games and just practiced. Treliving would acquire depth defencemen and push him out of the lineup and into the health-scratch spot. Then that long time away from the game dealing with his personal issues. That's a lot of playing time.
When the Flames drafted him, I was pretty high on him. I thought he had the #1/2 ceiling - maybe not rock for the pairing, but perhaps a good #2 who drives offence. Now I see him more as a #4. Can he be a good #3? I don't know. I see him as a #4 who probably needs a solid partner, especially one with a bit of size. He may not be a finished product given his games played, but I would think he is a lot closer to being a finished product than a guy with a lot more development potential given his age and overall lack of playing time over the years.
I hope he gets a long term, high dollar contract somewhere if he can get it. Otherwise, I would welcome him back on a short-term deal. I don't look at this as him owing the Flames anything. Flames got good press. Be a good organization like this, and players notice it and are willing to stay here as they know they will be taken care of.
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