Maple Leafs linked to shocking deal involving former Avalanche second-round defenseman
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy / Imagn Images
In a stunning twist, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to a potential blockbuster move involving former Colorado Avalanche second-round defenseman Oliver Kylington, sparking major buzz about what it could mean for their blue line heading into the upcoming season.
Kylington earned a chance with the Colorado Avalanche last season but struggled to establish himself and gain consistent playing time.
Maple Leafs eyeing former Avalanche defenseman Oliver Kylington.
Nestor Quixtan from Heavy.com writes that the Avalanche traded him to the New York Islanders as part of the Brock Nelson deal, and the Islanders later sent him to the Anaheim Ducks, where he finished the season.
"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." -Quixtan
At this stage in his career, Kylington is realistically an AHL-caliber defenseman, and expecting him to immediately slot into the Maple Leafs' top-six would be unrealistic.
"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." -Quixtan
That's why a two-way contract would be the most practical option. The Maple Leafs could move Kylington between the NHL and AHL as needed, and with paper transactions still allowed this season, he could remain with the big club even while officially on the Marlies' roster.
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