Former Flames Defenseman Activated From IR

The Colorado Avalanche made a couple of roster moves on Monday. Forward Valeri Nichushkin was placed on IR, and former Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington was activated. 

The 27-year-old defender hasn't played since Nov. 27 due to a lower-body injury and has only dressed in eight games this season, his first with the Avalanche. Moreover, Kylington has a goal and an assist while averaging a career-low 12:10 a night.

After six seasons with the Flames, Kylington pursued a new deal in free agency, relocating to Denver and signing a one-year contract worth $1.05 million.

Kylington hasn't played a whole season in the NHL since 2021-22. He took the entirety of the 2022-23 season off to remain in Sweden for personal reasons. He returned on Jan. 25, 2024, and skated in 33 games, scoring three goals and eight points.

The former second-round pick (60th overall) from the 2015 Draft has skated in 209 NHL games, scoring 18 goals, 39 assists, and 57 points. He's plus-22 and has compiled only 56 penalty minutes in his career.

Heading into their next contest against the Vancouver Canucks on Feb. 4, the Avalanche are 31-21-2 and sit in fourth place in the Central Division.