2 Teams That Should Target Oliver Kylington

Oliver Kylington is a talented defenseman that is solid for a third pairing and has the potential to play in the top-four. This season was a slower one than the impressive 2021-22 breakout season the 27-year-old had, and with half a season under his belt after returning to action, he looks to return to form in 2024-25, possibly on a new team.

The Calgary Flames haven't signed the pending UFA to a contract yet, so the closer we get to free agency, the likelier Kylington is going to find a new team to play for. There are two good options that need support on the left side next season at a cap-friendly number.

Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild have one more year of the massive near $15 million dead cap hit against them, but still have the capabilities of being a playoff team and surprising the league. This was a down season in which injuries played a big part in why the Wild missed the playoffs, but the team can bounce back.

Minnesota are very likely going to let Alex Goligoski and Dakota Mermis walk in free agency, so it opens up some cap space and a spot on the roster. Both of these players are left-shot d-men and the third pairing could use an upgrade from waiver claim Declan Chisholm (who should still be on the team). Kylington will be able to provide more bang for his buck than other options and will be able to be brought in at a good number. With top-four experience, he has the ability to slide up and help out if there are any injuries. I can see the Wild liking a 1-2 year deal for Kylington and showing interest.

Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers are going to be a very good hockey team next year again, but they have some shuffling of parts to do in the offseason. If the team wins the Stanley Cup, players are going to want even more money than they might have been looking for. One key member that has priced himself out of Florida is Oliver Ekman-Larsson. He has been great this season after being bought out by the Vancouver Canucks, but he warrants a cap hit double his current one ($2.25 million AAV).

Kylington should come in at around the number Ekman-Larsson is getting currently and once again, will be able to provide top-four help if needed. Niko Mikkola has the second pairing spot right now, so the defense would be nice and deep with Kylington added to that left side. The Panthers have to handle contracts for a number of key players, and saving money on the third pair while adding a solid piece would do them good and save some money.