CALGARY — Oliver Kylington has been focusing on the little things since his return to the Flames’ lineup in late January. But it’s not just the on-ice details that players typically stress over, it’s the idea that he can even be around his teammates and friends.
“I feel just appreciative of hanging out with people that I haven’t seen for a long time,” Kylington said. “Spending time competing with old teammates and new teammates and being back to an environment that I’ve been away from for a long time. Just appreciative of life, really, in general. Been happy so far.”
Nineteen months ago, it was unsure when — or if — Kylington would play an NHL game again. Even the defenceman himself wondered if he’d be able to return to the Saddledome ice. The 26-year-old Swede needed time away from the team due to a personal “family issue”, as described by ex-Flames GM Brad Treliving when his absence was first announced in September 2022. Kylington finally returned to the ice in January and has played 27 games since, scoring two goals and five points.
On Friday, he was unveiled as this year’s Flames nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. Since 1968, the award has been given to the player who shows “perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.:” Two former Flames have won the honour; Gary Roberts in 1996 and Lanny McDonald in 1983.
“Very honoured,” Kylington said. “I heard the people that have played for the Flames in the past that’s been (nominated) and I’m just honoured to be on that list. And I’m honoured that this award is available to grab.”
Kylington seemed on track to be a mainstay in the Flames’ top-four defence after a career season in 2021-22 when he scored nine goals and 31 points in 73 games and added his first-ever goal playoff goal later that spring. But on the first day of training camp ahead of the next season, Kylington was not present. Instead, Kylington was home in Sweden tending to himself and his family issues.
In an interview with HockeyNews.SE last summer, a Swedish-based outlet, he revealed he had been suffering from “mental health problems” and his familial situation was “escalating for the worse.”
Despite not being ready for the start of the current season, Kylington trained and skated in Calgary, as the Flames gave him room until he was ready. A stint with the Flames’ minor-league affiliate, the Wranglers, in addition to a standing ovation in his first game, soon followed. Kylington made his NHL return on Jan. 25 in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, receiving more praise from fans and his teammates.
Nine games into his return, he scored his first goal of the season in a 6-3 win against the Winnipeg Jets. Kylington stole the puck from an opposing player at his blue line before carrying the puck into the offensive zone and scoring.
Oliver Kylington scores his first goal of the season! #Flames | #gojetsgo
📽️: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/2FEXyResU6— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) February 19, 2024
“I saw ice,” Kylington said after the goal. “So, I just tried to take it and use what I could with it and I’m happy it went in.”
Since his return, Kylington has received love from teammates, opposing players before and during games, and even fans around town in Calgary. He expressed gratitude for the support he’s received from the hockey world and beyond. Kylington also hopes that people who’ve become aware of his story can know they can tend to their mental health instead of “suppressing” what they may be feeling.
“I don’t know if I’ve helped people. But I hope maybe that helps people to understand that there’s certain moments in life where there’s adversity that it’s OK to be in it and not flee from it,” Kylington said. “And not do stuff to think that it’s going to vanish. Understanding that it’s OK to be OK. And it’s OK to say that it’s a problem or if it’s not a problem. It’s OK to not follow the norm.
“We all are humans. We’re not going to be at our best at all times. And I think it’s just important to create a forum that people can be honest with each other and say what they have in mind, how they feel and what goes on in their life.”
Required reading
(Top photo of Oliver Kylington: Gerry Thomas / NHLI via Getty Images)
