Kylington last played in the 2021-22 season and has been out of action while dealing with mental health issues
Oliver Kylington, who last skated for the Calgary Flames in the 2021-22 season and missed nearly one-and-a-half seasons while dealing with mental health issues, has taken a giant leap forward to a return.
He was assigned to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers on a conditioning assignment on Thursday.
In a statement on Thursday, Kylington said: “I feel I’m in a good place with my mental health and ready to take another step forward. Returning to Calgary has been the right decision. I’ve felt tremendous commitment from Flames ownership, management, and my teammates, and I am appreciative of the support and resources made available to me. I also thank my family, friends, and the fans for their encouragement. I’m looking forward to getting on the ice in a team environment and back to my everyday life. I have missed it very much.”
Flames GM Craig Conroy added via statement: “First and foremost, as an organization, we care about Oliver as a person. We are so happy that he has made positive progression with his mental well-being, and we will continue to support Oliver through this process. Based on his feedback, and that of health professionals, we have developed a return to play plan for Oliver. This conditioning assignment to the Wranglers for full practice integration is the next step in that process. Oliver will continue with his treatment, and we will monitor as he moves forward.”
The slick-skating Kylington, 26, was expected to rejoin the Flames after missing all of last season, but on the eve of training camp was not ready to return. He has been regularly skating with the club’s injured players, and even partook in a lightly-attended optional practice last month.
Players on the long-term injury list may be sent to the AHL for six days or three games (whichever is longer) and count against the salary cap. Clubs may request an extension of two more games.
The Wranglers have home games scheduled against the Henderson Silver Knights on Friday and Saturday and then two more home tilts against the Ontario Reign Jan. 11 and 12.
Kylington, a 2015 second-round draft choice, had a breakout 2021-22 campaign in which he netted nine goals and 31 points in 73 regular-season games. He added one goal and three points in 12 playoff games.
He signed a two-year, $5-million contract after that season, and is due to be an unrestricted free-agent after this season.