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

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by 868904

I kind of want to see him go to Brandon and have his elc slide which will be good long term for the flames.

However, I don't know enough about Brandon's coaching to say that it would be a good situation. Pulock and Provorov developed well there but Roy and Pilon not so much. From what I've heard from whl followers on this board is that the Wheat Kings don't play with much structure and I'm not sure that's good for Kylington.

We know he would learn defensive systems and the tricks of the trade in the AhL.

His ELC slides in the AHL too I think.

[GullFoss]

With brodie out...i wonder if he'll get a look in a couple games.

[Roughneck]

I actually like the WHL option for Kylington and instead wish that we were able to send Andersson to the AHL. To me each league represents what each player needs more.

Kylington has lacked playing time and probably a bit of confidence as well so being on a good junior team would help give him both. Let him be a big minute defenseman playing in all situations all year. I think this is is case where he just needs to play more even if it seems like a step back competition-wise. With defensemen I never feel it is a bad idea to put them in a place where they can play a much as they can because the ability to work on more of their game. Controlling the ice, leading leading power play or PK, and all the confidence that goes with it is more likely to be found in junior at his age than the AHL where he can be pushed down the depth chart easier. I'd rather he show he's too good for junior than not quite good enough for the AHL because the former would be much greater motivation for a guy like him IMO.

Compare that to Andersson who has shown he has no problem playing and succeeding at the junior level, but his biggest problem is fitness and effectively needing to learn what it takes to succeeding at the pro level. So playing less but being immersed with pros to help sort out what he needs to do off the ice is better for his development. Just wish it were an option.

[Crumpy-Gunt]

Originally Posted by hockey.modern

Is it just me or does Kylington sound like Cristano Ronaldo?

Hahah yes he does

[OBCT]

I don't think one year in the WHL will hurt Buzz' development whatsoever. He's only 18, and as "mature" as he may be due to time spent with older players, I'd like to see a slower progression path for him, ideally. Sometimes there's value in paying your dues, and I still have hope that he can become dominant at both ends of the ice. His skating, vision and offensive instincts are tantalizing, but I don't see those assets regressing if he focuses primarily on defensive positioning and getting physically stronger over the next couple of years.

He can play in the AHL as a 19 year-old (still young for a defenseman), then possibly make the jump to the NHL at 20 -- considering the timing of certain expiring D contracts, his low price tag could be beneficial if the Flames become stuck up against the cap in a couple of years like many predict.

There's lots for him to learn, and despite his enormous talent and potential, there's no need to rush.