The Toronto Maple Leafs, like all contenders, are on the lookout for affordable depth pieces. As such, scouring the market for players who could contribute without breaking the bank is a must.
For the Maple Leafs, one such player could be former second-round pick Oliver Kylington. Kylington was the 60th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames. The Swedish blue liner got his career off to a promising start, but then ran into personal issues.
He bounced back and seemed to be getting his career back on track. He got a shot by the Colorado Avalanche last season, but couldn’t gain any traction there. The Avalanche moved him to the New York Islanders in the Brock Nelson trade. The Islanders then flipped him to the Anaheim Ducks, where he ended his season.
Fast forward to this season, Kylington is a UFA and looking for another chance. He’s a steady defenseman who won’t put up mind-shocking numbers. But he is mostly reliable and could be a decent third-pairing option for a contending team.
With the Maple Leafs’ need for depth, signing Kylington to a two-way deal could provide the team with a depth option both for the Marlies and the main club. The Leafs lose nothing by giving Kylington another kick at the NHL can this upcoming season.
Realistic Expectations Maple Leafs Could Have for Kylington
Realistically, Oliver Kylington would be an AHL-level defenseman at this point in his career. It would be unreasonable to believe he could jump into the Maple Leafs’ top six.
But there’s no ruling out the need for an experienced depth blue liner like Kylington. He could hang around the team as an eighth defenseman. Since the assumption is that Henry Thrun has the inside track on the seventh spot, Kylington could compete for the eighth spot.
That’s why having a two-way contract would make the most sense. The Maple Leafs could send Kylington up and down as needs dictate. Since paper transactions will still be possible this upcoming season, Kylington could stay with the big club even if he’s officially part of the Marlies.
Marlies Could Also Benefit from Kylington
As for the Marlies themselves, Kylington could play a solid role for them this season. Kylington could slide into the Marlies’ top six, giving the club another blue liner with NHL experience.
A good season at the AHL level could open doors for Kylington. Whether that’s with the Maple Leafs or perhaps another NHL club, Kylington would do well to take advantage of the opportunity to play regularly if he’s given the chance.
Unfortunately for the 28-year-old, NHL opportunities will be scarce. So, taking advantage of a shot to be a regular at the AHL level is something that could benefit him moving forward. Kylington is still young enough to where he could squeeze out a few more seasons before potentially seeing his career come to an end.
The Maple Leafs could be a solid ticket back to the NHL for the once-talented Swedish defenseman.
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