[News] With the 60th OA pick the Flames select D Oliver Kylington UPD: CHL rights to Brandon

[sureLoss]

BTW here are the official measurements from the combine (lengths in inches, weight in lbs)

KYLINGTON, OLIVER 71.5 height 72.8 wingspan 180.05 weight 14.6 %fat

[AcGold]

I'm astounded at how this team has changed in 4 years. Worst prospect pool to one of the best. 4 years ago Kylington could've pushed himself into the roster when guys like Kolanos were getting a shot. Now Kylington will be hard pressed to get a single game for years. He'll be forced to develop that much better.

Do we have the best d group in the league now? We must be close.

[greentree]

Originally Posted by Bunk

Treliving's interview on the Fan he made it sound as though it was certain he was to go in pick 61 or 62. After he moved up and drafted him at 60 a couple GMs called and "yelled some profanities" at him. LOL.

Leafs and Rangers...haha hahaha

[MrMastodonFarm]

Describes Gaudreau as "The new Patrick Kane" towards the end of this

[Da_Chief]

Originally Posted by AcGold

I'm astounded at how this team has changed in 4 years. Worst prospect pool to one of the best. 4 years ago Kylington could've pushed himself into the roster when guys like Kolanos were getting a shot. Now Kylington will be hard pressed to get a single game for years. He'll be forced to develop that much better.

Do we have the best d group in the league now? We must be close.

Nah!

Rangers - Staal, Girardi, McDonagh, Klein, Boyle, Yandle
Ducks - Fowler, Lindholm, Despres, Vatanaen, Stoner likely re-sign Beachumin
Predators - Weber, Ellis, Ekholm, Josi, Jones
Wild - Suter, Brodin, Scandella, Dumba, Spurgeon
Lightning - Stralman, Hedman, Cobourn, Garrison, Carle
Flames - Gio, Russell, Wideman, Brodie, Hamilton

I'd rank us 5th. Behind Rangers, Ducks, Preds and Lightning.

[The Swedish Flame]

He was getting embarrassed by his mum near the end. Pointed out that there is a camera in the room and definitely refused to get a kiss on the cheek because he didn't want any lipstick on him.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by The Swedish Flame

He was getting embarrassed by his mum near the end. Pointed out that there is a camera in the room and definitely refused to get a kiss on the cheek because he didn't want any lipstick on him.

lol yeah you didn't need a translator to notice that.

[megatron]

Just woke up and saw we got Kylington with the 60th pick!

I saw he was rated in the top 5 at the beginning of the year, but didn't know why he dropped so much.

Treliving worked his magic this weekend by getting Hamilton and addressing the D prospects.

[dammage79]

Boy, project the Flames top six in 3 years:

Brodie-Hamilton
Gio-Morrisson
Wotherspoon-Kylington
Hickey-Andersson
Russell? Probably not. Wow.

Then there's still:
Kulak, Culkin (my bet to break out), Kanzig.

[icarus]

I just noticed that a question I submitted to the USA Today Q&A was answered by RLR's Kyle Woodlief:

Q: Are there any high-risk/high-reward players that you would feel are worth the gamble of using a first-round pick to draft?

A: Well, Kylington is the ultimate high risk/high reward player. So if you think you can solve his decision making difficulties, there's no reason a team shouldn't scoop him up if he gets past pick #20.

A question someone else asked:

Q: How does RLR now feel about Oliver Kylington after his up-and-downs season?

A: Top five talent, but a HUGE risk. Was god-awful in many games we saw him this season. Completely lacking in judgement. But WOW! He's the best skater in the entire draft and is really dynamic with the puck on his stick. Can create just as many chances for the opposition as his own team, however. Big boom or bust type.

Best skater in the entire draft? That's high praise for a draft than includes McDavid and Hanifin.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by AcGold

I'm astounded at how this team has changed in 4 years. Worst prospect pool to one of the best. 4 years ago Kylington could've pushed himself into the roster

I know he was a phenom, but he was still only 14. The CBA wouldn't allow that.

Originally Posted by dammage79

Boy, project the Flames top six in 3 years

We might having Vanouver-esque "6th Dman" controversies.

"Kylington should play! He's faster"
"Hickey should play! He's bigger"
"Kulak should play, he's most experienced"

Treliving trades em all away and Rasmus Andersson plays.

[Gaskal]

I think Hartley and Gio can ease him into making the high percentage, simple plays. From what I hear he's trying to make the flashy play often and leading to horrid turnovers. He doesn't seem to be a bonehead defensively so with some conditioning and mentoring he'll be making excellent decisions on the ice before too long.

[SebC]

Or maybe he'll get better at the flashy plays and they'll start to work.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by SebC

Or maybe he'll get better at the flashy plays and they'll start to work.

I just visualized Gaudreau's turnover in game 4 vs Anaheim.

Every game of the season.

[FlamesAddiction]

I wonder if with the skills he has, if they ever considered converting him to a forward.


Any chance someone picks him up in the CHL import draft? It would be nice to get him in North America where the Flames could keep a closer eye on him. Not sure if his situation in Sweden would even allow for a transfer though.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

I think Hartley and Gio can ease him into making the high percentage, simple plays. From what I hear he's trying to make the flashy play often and leading to horrid turnovers. He doesn't seem to be a bonehead defensively so with some conditioning and mentoring he'll be making excellent decisions on the ice before too long.

Watch the world juniors highlights. He doesn't seem to know where to be without the puck

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I wonder if with the skills he has, if they ever considered converting him to a forward.


Any chance someone picks him up in the CHL import draft? It would be nice to get him in North America where the Flames could keep a closer eye on him. Not sure if his situation in Sweden would even allow for a transfer though.

Why the CHL? If he is playing against men in Sweden he could play in the AHL.

Having Huska work some Kelowna magic on him for 3 years could be amazing.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Why the CHL? If he is playing against men in Sweden he could play in the AHL.

Having Huska work some Kelowna magic on him for 3 years could be amazing.

That crossed my mind first, but then I thought that with the smaller ice and increased contact as a result, the CHL might be a better option. Of course, he would be giving up a salary in Sweden, so the Flames would have to probably show immediate commitment by signing him.

I just remember how Backlund was having issues in Sweden at one point and bringing him into the CHL didn't hurt.

[Bourque's Twin]

It seems like his weaknesses can be conquered with good, dedicated coaching. The Flames have arguably the best. His raw talent is top-notch in the entire draft. I think the Flames took a good risk.

[mile]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Watch the world juniors highlights. He doesn't seem to know where to be without the puck

He didn't look good at all in that World Junior shift-by-shift video. With the puck and in the offensive zone you can see the passing skill and skating ability everyone raves about but he looks completely lost in his end. Didn't seem to know where to position himself at all.

Still like the pick though. Especially at 60. With Huska in the AHL and Hartley coaching hopefully they can help with his weaknesses.