[News] AIK announces they will let Kylington pursue opportunities in North America

[sureLoss]

At least that is what is being reported in Sweden.

http://aikhockey.se/artikel/67717/

- We do not stop Oliver from the opportunity he has been given, says Anders Gozzi.

http://www.expressen.se/sport/hockey...algary-flames/

Oliver Kylington leaving AIK - to try to take a place in the NHL.

Now confirm the Swedish club to the slope released to the Calgary Flames.

- We do not stop Oliver from the opportunity he has been given, comments Anders Gozzi to the club's website .

Two weeks ago wrote Oliver Kylington contract with the Calgary Flames .

But, in that he did not was drafted in the first round, it was up to AIK to determine if the club wanted to drop him over to the NHL or not.

- That's right, commented Peter Werner at CAA Sports, which represents Kylington after the deal was in port.

He also told me how much money the contract was about.

- He gets closer to the maximum amount for a rookie and the usual AHL salary, which is 70 000 US dollars (about 595,000 dollars) if there would be games there.

And now AIK took its decision - there will be no play in the club of Kylington coming season.

So looks like the Flames will be able to put him in the CHL or the AHL.

[Roof-Daddy]

Nice.

My bet is he ends up in Brandon when all the dust settles, but whether it's AHL, ECHL or WHL (I highly doubt he makes the NHL) it'll be good to have him over in NA developing on the smaller ice, and under the close watch of the Flames.

[Trailer Fire]

Yes! I want to get him acclimated to the NA ice as soon as possible. Hopefully he goes to Brandon.

[devo22]

great news! I think a year in Brandon will be very good vor his development.

[Itse]

Nice. My faith in the way the Euro leagues handle this stuff was not misplaced.

[flamesfan55]

So right now based on the location he was drafted he was able to play in the AHL, if he goes to Brandon this year does that restrict him from being able to go to the AHL the following year?

[devo22]

Originally Posted by flamesfan55

So right now based on the location he was drafted he was able to play in the AHL, if he goes to Brandon this year does that restrict him from being able to go to the AHL the following year?

no, the only thing that matters is that he wasn't drafted out of the CHL. Just like Patrick Sieloff: he was drafted out of the USHL, then went to the OHL for a year and then was able to play in the AHL as a 19-year-old. Would be the same for Kylington.

[Wolfman]

I say AHL if at all possible. Spent last year playing with men in Sweden, so he might as well continue that way.

[skudr248]

Rather have him in the AHL, he already played with men might as well try him out there in Stockton, what the hell is he going to learn in a much inferior league with Brandon?...

[ComixZone]

That's awesome.

[DropIt]

Add me to the list that would like to see him in the AHL. Mostly because Ryan Huska has shown time and again he can work magic developing defenseman.

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by skudr248

Rather have him in the AHL, he already played with men might as well try him out there in Stockton, what the hell is he going to learn in a much inferior league with Brandon?...

Apparently he has a lot to learn about defence. If it's an issue with fundamentals like positioning he's probably better off in the lower league.

[Geeoff]

Blueline is super full in the AHL. Wheat Kings have a good history of developing NHL defensemen. I would not be opposed to a year in junior as a first pairing D-man.

[FlamesAddiction]

He did apparently struggle with his Swedish team last year and the AHL is probably a step up in calibre, so the WHL might be a better way to get back to basics and get his confidence up. Plus hanging out with people his own age might be a better way to get acclimatized to North America.

Is it possible to put him in either the AHL or WHL for a month or so, see how he does, and then reassign him based on that if necessary?

[Ashasx]

Doesn't he live in California in the off-season? Stockton seems like a good option.

[Huntsy]

Think he needs a year in the Dub just to get confidence with NA game. If he goes AHL his playing time would be less and he may never develop. Year in WHL would do him good.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Doesn't he live in California in the off-season? Stockton seems like a good option.

Think he has family in California, doesn't necessarily go there for the off-season.

[Big Erned Nevergivn]

Both the Wheat Kings and Ryan Huska have a great history of developing defensemen. So no matter where he plays it is a positive. On top of that, both leagues are viewed as developmental leagues (rather than AIK) and he will have the opportunity to get acclimated to North American Size Ice.

This last one might be grasping at straws, but I feel like he will have a better chance of making Swedens's world junior team because he will be playing against his peers (should be dominant in the WHL) rather than buried down the depth chart against men.

[Incogneto]

He will be the #1 D-man in Brandon (maybe #2 if Provorov comes back) on a team that will contend for a title. Whereas he would be luck to be lower pairing D-Man in Stockton fighting for a playoff spot. Would you prefer him getting 20-25 mins a night in the Dub for 80-90 games, or 6-10 mins a night in the A for 67 games? Those are your options.

I would rather him playing tons with McCrimmon, and with kids his own age. He has played with Men since he was 16. Time to get him in his own age group.

For me, I think Brandon is the best place for him. But, full disclosure, I am biased. Born and raised there, love the Wheaties...

[Coach]

I'd rather see him play before I decide where I'd like to see him play.