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

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I agree. Let him figure out that side of his game in juniors, before trying to turn pro. Take the long view with him. How do you turn this guy into an NHLer 3-5 years from now, not 1-2.

I don't agree at all.

Junior is where you learn to play defense against Juniors.

Pro leagues is where you learn to play defense against Pros.

He has the skill to play with men.

Someone mentioned above that playing with men is what made him drop around in the draft, but what does that matter? Some players looked better playing against their peers than he did against playing against men. None of those other guys who rose in the draft were playing against men. If Zboril plays in a Swedish men's league, he probably doesn't look like a top 15 pick.

If he's doing everything but defend at the pro level, he doesn't need to be in Junior to learn how to defend against junior aged players, most of whom can't translate their offense to the pro leagues (Sven Baertschi), he needs to be learning how to defend at a quick pace against bigger players that have more skill.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

I don't agree at all.

Junior is where you learn to play defense against Juniors.

Pro leagues is where you learn to play defense against Pros.

He has the skill to play with men.

Someone mentioned above that playing with men is what made him drop around in the draft, but what does that matter? Some players looked better playing against their peers than he did against playing against men. None of those other guys who rose in the draft were playing against men. If Zboril plays in a Swedish men's league, he probably doesn't look like a top 15 pick.

If he's doing everything but defend at the pro level, he doesn't need to be in Junior to learn how to defend against junior aged players, most of whom can't translate their offense to the pro leagues (Sven Baertschi), he needs to be learning how to defend at a quick pace against bigger players that have more skill.

It is the bolded that the Flames need to figure out. Development and the main camp will likely help answer the question, but it is still a question, in particular with men on an NHL sized ice surface. Perhaps you subscibe to the "There is no greater springboard to development than failure" philosophy?

[Sylvanfan]

When I heard his interview at the draft it really did seem like the lack of stability in terms of who he was playing for and who was going to pay his salary had an impact on him. After that Loob came out and made his comments that this is a player that needs for the Flames to take control of his development to get him on the right track.

So the fact that he'll either be in the Flames system, or with Brandon who should be a really strong team this coming year seems like a step in the right direction.

I think playing in Junior on the North American size ice this coming season would be the better of the two options. Although if he does go to the CHL, would that eliminate the option of being able to put him in the AHL to start the 2016 season? At least over here I think we'll get a good idea of what they really have in this player.

[gonzo29]

Voted WHL but there have been some convincing arguments in this thread for sending him to the AHL. Tough call but I'm sure the team will make the right one.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

It is the bolded that the Flames need to figure out. Development and the main camp will likely help answer the question, but it is still a question, in particular with men on an NHL sized ice surface. Perhaps you subscibe to the "There is no greater springboard to development than failure" philosophy?

That's a pretty harsh response, no?

Kylington has been playing with men for 2 years. He simply pointed that out. No need to attack him for it.

[polak]

Put me in the AHL camp.

He's been playing against men already. Why put him back against kids?

[polak]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

I don't agree at all.

Junior is where you learn to play defense against Juniors.

Pro leagues is where you learn to play defense against Pros.

This.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by polak

Put me in the AHL camp.

He's been playing against men already. Why put him back against kids?

A good reason IMO is for him to go dominate and get that mojo back that had him skyrocket in the early rankings. Plus when your defensive game needs some real ground work I think you'd want to start him in his age group on the smaller ice.

We're all aware of everything else in his game is top notch but he really does need to be taught Defense from the ground up.

He's been quoted as calling himself a rover more than a d man and that needs to be reset. He needs to learn how to play the position the right way. While taking all that skill and mobility and pegging it down into how the position is played here in NA. Even if they can get him to Rafa Diazs level of D the Flames will walk put with a major steal.

I think he's a good enough players now for the AHL but he really does need to be re taught the position he plays for NA. I'll be happy if he goes to either place

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

First of all, let's see how he looks in camp before deciding.

But as far as the poll goes, I think the important thing to consider is: what are the issues that he needs to work on?

If it were general development like skating and offense, I would be all for getting more ice-time in Brandon.

But his skating and offense are already elite and probably NHL level. It's his defensive positioning that is the issue here. What he needs is coaching.

And for that reason, I would rather see him in Stockton. Getting him working full-time with the coaching staff, learning how to play the game properly.

Stockton is a developmental team - they will get him the ice-time he needs. If he continues to show that he is an important prospect, they will give him the appropriate ice-time to continue to develop.

In Stockton, he'll get better coaching, more focus on what he needs, and managed, sheltered ice-time (until he's ready for more).

Very compelling argument that could sway my vote.

[sureLoss]

FWIW, Steinberg on 960 says from everything he has heard the Flames are leaning towards assigning Kylington to Brandon.

[sec304]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

FWIW, Steinberg on 960 says from everything he has heard the Flames are leaning towards assigning Kylington to Brandon.

If he's assigned to Brandon can they change their mind halfway through the season and put him in the AHL, or no?

The rookie tournament and training camp should help them figure it all out anyways however.

[dammage79]

The more I think about it, the more I kind of want to see Kylington head to Brandon. I convinced myself in my last post. Still think he's the #2 prospect the Flames have and really the best course of action is to get him to develop defensively starting from the bottom.

[jg13]

Thank You AIK.

As many stated already - the farm is very full and Brandon will be a contender to win the WHL. Seeing as its his first time in NA, he should start in junior and try to light it up.

AHL next season

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by sec304

If he's assigned to Brandon can they change their mind halfway through the season and put him in the AHL, or no?

The rookie tournament and training camp should help them figure it all out anyways however.

No, if he goes to Brandon, he stays there until their season is over.

That's another reason why I favour Stockton - if it isn't working out there, they can still send him to Brandon at any time (assuming Brandon has room for him).

But once in Brandon, that's it.

[CroFlames]

I still don't think the pros of WHL outweigh the pros of the AHL. Direct control of his development by Flames staff is key in my opinion. Playing against professionals is also a positive, not a negative thing.

[JoelOtto29]

Give the kid as much time as possible, send him to Brandon.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

FWIW, Steinberg on 960 says from everything he has heard the Flames are leaning towards assigning Kylington to Brandon.

Good.

No rush with this kid. Unless he plays a certain amount of games in the NHL we have him for at least the next 5 years. Play a year in the WHL see how it goes. Maybe play again next year as a 19 year old. At 20 go pro, it's a common development path, tried tested and true. Yeah it'd be cool to see him in the AHL this year but there isn't a rush. Lots of pros to the AHL or WHL but he'll get lots of time with the Wheat Kings.

Still can develop in the AHL later on with Flames coaches etc

[Fire]

The kid has been bouncing around with a bunch of different teams the past few years. Placing him in the AHL might result him going to the ECHL or CHL if he struggles. Better for him imo to learn how to play defense against junior players before learning how to play defense against men.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by edslunch

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.

That can be learned in Stockton as well, I think Todd Gill knew a little something about positioning in his day. IMO telling a "pro" hockey player he's not good enough yet for the AHL could have a negative effect.

[automaton 3]

What else would you expect the Flames to say though.

They don't want to set the kid up for failure by stating they expect him to make the AHL or the show.

Set the bar low, and if he has a great camp and exceeds expectations he might earn a spot in Stockton or (outside chance) Calgary.