The 26-year-old Kylington is on the last year of his contract but his comeback story inspires mutual interest in staying in Calgary

In a season that can use more good moments, the Calgary Flames enjoyed a great one on Monday afternoon. Oliver Kylington’s first goal in nearly 21 months to open the scoring early in the first period was electric.

The goal itself was a pretty end-to-end rush after the Flames blueliner broke up a play and stole the puck from the Winnipeg Jets. He pushed forward and blazed between a pair of defenders before backhanding the puck past Connor Hellebuyck.

“I just tried to take ice and use what I’m good at and today it went in,” Kylington said modestly.

“Goals are goals. It maybe turned out a little bit nicer than some goals you make, but I’m just happy it went in and I’m very happy that we won the game.”

The celebration for the goal was larger than the one at the final buzzer. There were a pair of standing ovations from the Saddledome crowd, which would have roared even if the goal bounced in off his rear end as Kylington scored for the first time since May 22, 2022.

Absence certainly increased the love affair with the 26-year-old defenceman as he sat out a season and a half to take care of his mental health.

He’s talked briefly about dealing with trauma and a betrayal but hasn’t shared his entire journey just yet. Nor does he have to. The way the franchise and its fans have supported him along the way is the most important part of it all.

There’s a reason nobody is talking about Kylington when mentioning all the Calgary Flames trade possibilities ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

Despite the fact he’s also working on the last year of his current deal and could become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, Kylington is unlikely to leave the Flames. Not only is it likely his best opportunity for big minutes and powerplay time in a top-four role next season, but the love he’s experienced from his teammates, the organization, and the city of Calgary have helped him get back onto the ice in the world’s best league.

It’s a dream he wasn’t sure he’d live again over the past 20 months.

On the hockey side, goaltender Jacob Markstrom has been a popular trade rumour, and defencemen Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin are expected to find new addresses before the trade deadine. That would leave MacKenzie Weegar, Rasmus Andersson and Kylington as the best three remaining from an offensive standpoint.

And, boy, did Kylington show that’s what he’s good at on that Monday matinee rush.

“He’s gone through a lot so it’s nice to see him come back and do that,” said Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska, who admitted he had a smile on his face. “And not just do that — he’s contributing in a lot of different ways.

“People know who scored that goal.”