[Rumour] Kylington to test free agency

[Rhett44]

Originally Posted by howard_the_duck

How could you possibly know that?

Dino is an expert on mental health apparently. Some of these posts in this thread are crazy.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Capfriendly, which is usually pretty on top of things, would typically say if a non-roster player was in the assistance program, and they never showed him as being in the program. They always showed him as on LTI.

As to whether he could have entered it after being suspended for not reporting to make sure he was still getting paid, I am not so sure. Are there any examples where that has happened? It’s also a program and he would have had to have been meeting requirements and benchmarks outlined in the program. Were there any indications that he was willing to do that? The Flames let him do things the way he wanted to without question. Without even knowing details, we don’t even know if he would qualify. They would have wanted their own approved professionals making the assessments.

It was the morally right thing to do, but from a business perspective it was generous. I bet some teams would not have taken the same path. I am glad the Flames did though.

Entering the assistance program is confidential. There is no reason capfriendly would have the information if Kylington didn’t want everyone to know the information.

Are there any examples of it happening? We don’t know. How many players have entered it once they got in trouble with something because it’s a better route than being suspending? We don’t know. This situation is nothing like that, but this is just to counter the dumb notion that the Flames (or any team) would have/could have suspended him. It’s not that easy.

You have no idea how the situation played out, including what the Flames did or didn’t do as far as them letting him “do things the way he wanted to without question.” You literally have zero idea that’s how it happened, nobody but the people directly involved do.

Everyone wants to make up their own stories about what the Flames did or didn’t do vs. what they could have or couldn’t have done, or what Kylington did or didn’t do vs what he should have or shouldn’t have done. Which is fine, until people and their little fantasies manifests into them disparaging someone, talking about respect, character, etc without having a clue. Some people here come across like gossipy junior high girls and are embarrassing themselves without even realizing it (not referring to you here).

We already knew the “true colours” of most of the people posting classless nonsense here, so it’s not a surprise. It’d just be nice if they had the mental capacity to keep some thoughts as inner thoughts because nobody wants to read about how negatively they view Kylington’s character and then watch them whine because they’re “just sharing a public opinion!” like some moron that is above criticism lol.

[Derek Sutton]

No reason any team would offer more than 1 year. Also not the best look for Kylington either, you would think his priority would be to get back in the league and showcase himself, based on the last two years and his overall career to date, he has zero leverage. Really curious what other, if any, offers even existed for him.

[Phil Russell]

The Flames actions were commendable over the last two years and it's a disappointing outcome as it's a lost asset. But can we really say anything more? We know nothing and passing judgement either way is silly. We don't know what Oliver's issues are, we don't know what contract Oliver wanted, we don't know what the Flames offered, we don't know what influence the player had vs the agent. A lot of unfounded speculation here and by others.

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by Blankcanvas

I was surprised and disappointed that he didn't re-sign before July 1st. I didn't ever think he wouldn't resign until he didn't. I am still shocked that he chose to test free agency. WTF was he thinking?

I was a huge fan of Kylington and cheered as loud as anyone when he returned. It was a great story and I was proud of the Flames organization for the way they handled everything. I also believed what Kylington said about being grateful for the way he was treated and his loyalty.

Now, even if he does somehow come back, it has left a sour taste in my mouth. I will struggle to support and cheer for him the way I did. I wish him well but truly think he made a huge mistake here.

I don’t think I’d go that far. Both the team and he have the right to offer or accept a contract.

Just seems weird to play hardball if you essentially have no leverage. Unless Conroy offered him league minimum or something like that.

[CliffFletcher]

People were looking for an emotionally resonant story around Kylington and the Flames. When it comes to contracts, that rarely happens in professional sports.

Kylington has his interests. The Flames have theirs. And those interests didn’t align. Same thing played out 100 times around the league in the last week.

Did Kylington’s camp misjudge the market? I guess we’ll find out.

[BigThief]

Originally Posted by dino7c

All that "earned" him UFA status was the passing of time.

Yeah, duh

[Buff]

It's July 5. What is the rush?

Yes, Kylington is limiting his options by waiting but maybe he doesn't want to rush into anything? Maybe he wants to play the waiting game to see if he can get closer to what he wants and needs than to just jump on the first offer?

The Flames have the right to get their work done quickly. They don't want to miss out on a player they identify has being a benefit to the playoffs because they wait for someone who may or may not sign with the team. Waiting for Kylington to make a decision would be bad business.

At the end of the day, a contract expired and both parties chose the directions they want to take. Neither party appears to have done anything heinous to the other. Why do people have to try to make one or the other (or both) look like the villain here?

[activeStick]

I get the frustration by many here with the decision made by Kylington's camp but I'm still hoping he returns to the Flames. I can't imagine not getting to play anywhere in the NHL this coming season would be a good thing for Kylington's hopefully continued healing from his situation. Coming back and being around the organization and teammates would be a good thing, I think.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I disagree with blaming one side or another. Conroy's responsibility is for the Flames. Kylington's responsibility is to himself. It is in Conroy's best interest to give Kylington a short-term deal until Kylington can show that he has put whatever troubles he has behind him (at least well enough) and be available for the lineup consistently. Kylington of course wants the longest term possible, which is not a surprise.


Neither side bent on negotiations, as sometimes happens, and the Flames signed Bean. In my mind, that's Kylington's replacement. At this point, I would rather the Flames roll with who they have on defence right now. I don't see Kylington with some untapped potential at this point way beyond what we have seen. I would rather not insert too many vets on defence at this point, and would rather see other players get the reps for their development on this rebuilding squad. This is all about development at this point.


I am sure that Kylington will find a spot in the NHL again. When he comes to play in Calgary, and the Flames honour him with a video tribute, I will stand up and cheer for him, and I will always wish him success. He wanted to return, but with a higher term than Conroy felt comfortable dishing out. I don't blame any side on this. Negotiations sometimes just break down, even when both sides want to work together.

[Street Pharmacist]

Is there even room on the Flames for Kylington? Flames have a lot of bottom pairing guys at the moment

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Agreed with the sentiments being shared. There is nothing to begrudge with either party. The Flames appear to have treated him well through a very difficult time for him, and the Flames also offered him an opportunity to continue his career with them as he hit UFA.

Kylington either didn't see the fit with the Flames, or wasn't happy with $, term or both. Regardless, that's his business decision to make. The Flames don't need to do anything more with him than they would with any other player at this point either.

Kylington will be employed in the NHL next year if he wants to be. It's not even debatable that he's bare minimum worth bringing in for a number of teams, it may just take time to sort out. Whether the locations, $ or term end up being worth it to Kylington is another question, but if he wants to be in the NHL, he will be.

[Vinny01]

I could see a scenario where the Avs dump Girard (maybe even to the Flames?) and then sign Kylington for a cheap replacement at league minimum

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by dino7c

All the more reason not to give him multiple years. You hint and insider knowledge and then you suggest 4 things he might do lol, if he can't commit why would anyone else?

I don't get the sad comment...I don't see many posters attacking him personally. Craig basically said they made him an offer and he wanted a better offer (term by all accounts) So he would have signed if they met his demands. He is free to do whatever he likes but I don't think trying to force a multi year offer from the Flames was a great career choice.

Lets be real, I know people in way worse situations than this to get sad about...if you don't consider yourself lucky.

From a hockey standpoint I would want him back for 1x2M and be perfectly happy to cheer him on again but any more than that I hope he is elsewhere.

All that "earned" him UFA status was the passing of time.

God, you're fun.

Two things can be true at once right? Having access to resources others don't have doesn't mean your mental health struggles are worth any less than someone elses. Does it it make it less challenging to get support? For sure. But let's not turn mental health discussions into the Trauma olympics.

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Is there even room on the Flames for Kylington? Flames have a lot of bottom pairing guys at the moment

More than likely there isn't. Connie said as much on the 1st about their day (Bean) basically closing the door on Oliver a bit.

[HighLifeMan]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

Kylington either didn't see the fit with the Flames, or wasn't happy with $, term or both. Regardless, that's his business decision to make. The Flames don't need to do anything more with him than they would with any other player at this point either.

Sure, just as I am sure the Flames weren't exactly thrilled to pay the player 100% of his 5M contract to play in 20% his of eligible games either.. but they did it anyway because it was the right thing to do. They protected this player. They were there for this player at every turn. They paid him in full despite not having too. I don't think that should be overlooked here, and it certainly reflects poorly on the player if he turned down an extremely fair offer from the team to chase "better".

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by HighLifeMan

Sure, just as I am sure the Flames weren't exactly thrilled to pay the player 100% of his 5M contract to play in 20% his of eligible games either.. but they did it anyway because it was the right thing to do. They protected this player. They were there for this player at every turn. They paid him in full despite not having too. I don't think that should be overlooked here, and it certainly reflects poorly on the player if he turned down an extremely fair offer from the team to chase "better".

We don’t really know to what extent any of this is true, or if certain things are true at all, so it seems really foolish to declare how our assumptions of how things played “reflects” on individuals involved.

It’s just an unnecessary leap. Why bother?

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by HighLifeMan

Sure, just as I am sure the Flames weren't exactly thrilled to pay the player 100% of his 5M contract to play in 20% his of eligible games either.. but they did it anyway because it was the right thing to do. They protected this player. They were there for this player at every turn. They paid him in full despite not having too. I don't think that should be overlooked here, and it certainly reflects poorly on the player if he turned down an extremely fair offer from the team to chase "better".

Let’s be honest here, it was also a good way to keep an asset happy. There is very much a business side to their “generosity” as well.

[PugnaciousIntern]

Originally Posted by HighLifeMan

Sure, just as I am sure the Flames weren't exactly thrilled to pay the player 100% of his 5M contract to play in 20% his of eligible games either.. but they did it anyway because it was the right thing to do. They protected this player. They were there for this player at every turn. They paid him in full despite not having too. I don't think that should be overlooked here, and it certainly reflects poorly on the player if he turned down an extremely fair offer from the team to chase "better".

I must be mistaken, but is it true the flames didn’t need to pay him? Isn’t this treated essentially like an injury?

[Housley4Prez]

Originally Posted by heep223

These are great points, and not to nitpick, but didn’t Pastrnak decide to play through the final season of his deal before deciding to extend? Just wondering how you’re thinking that is “re-signing early”.

Because Pastrnak never went to test the market on July 1. Any signing before July 1st is early.