Oliver Kylington, a player for the Calgary Flames, has made a significant step in his return to professional hockey by playing for the AHL's Calgary Wranglers. Kylington, who has been out of game action since May 26, 2022, was expected to be in the lineup for Thursday night's game against the Ontario Reign at the Saddledome. This marks Kylington's first game at any level in nearly a year and a half, following a period where he was dealing with his mental health. His return was well-received, with fans giving him a big ovation and displaying supportive signs. Kylington, paired with veteran Colton Poolman, humorously remarked post-game, “I guess my legs still work.” He also shared his approach to the game, stating, “I just tried to keep it simple in the beginning and get my feet underneath me” and expressed his forward-looking mindset, “I just want to keep building and look forward to the future.” Wranglers General Manager Brad Pascall and others within the organization have expressed that Kylington's return is a really positive step for both the player and the Flames.
From @salimvalji: Flames’ Kylington turns another page in NHL comeback story. MORE: https://t.co/PkkB3UUyPV https://t.co/KbdoLtKPz6
🗣️"I just tried to keep it simple in the beginning and get my feet underneath me" 🗣️"I just want to keep building and look forward to the future." Morning ☕️ read on Oliver Kylington in his first game since May, 2022🔻👇🏽 #Flames ✍️🏽https://t.co/pPqpZjfqYH
From @salimvalji - #Flames’ Oliver Kylington turns another page in his NHL comeback story: https://t.co/qcRVNiJVSN
Phone lines and text line was jammed after a big win in Arizona. Also lots of Oliver Kylington talk including the latest on his immediate next steps after Thursday’s game with the Wranglers. Check out the latest #Flames Talk postgame 👇🏻 https://t.co/zj1FTfkjKK
Great to see: Oliver Kylington made his return tonight for AHL Calgary. First game since May 26, 2022. https://t.co/g3RJAkiyKO
Kylington, post game: “I guess my legs still work.” #flames https://t.co/RuIc5Lm08w
Cool moment: Oliver Kylington announced as starter for Wranglers and a big ovation; some fans stood and cheered. Saw a “Welcome back, Oliver. We missed you.” sign as well. #flames https://t.co/opY05x4bwz
Kylington is paired with veteran Colton Poolman. #flames https://t.co/kWQB5yinVH
Oliver Kylington out for a twirl at morning skate ahead of his first pro game since May, 2022. He’s projected to suit up tonight for the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers vs the Ontario Reign at the Saddledome. #flames https://t.co/m0oI7xQZcE
Great news for the #Flames and Oliver Kylington: After missing the past season-and-a-half dealing with his mental health, Kylington is expected to play for the AHL Wranglers tonight. https://t.co/o2PhDIyI3k
“For Oliver and for the organization, it’s a really positive step.” #Flames Oliver Kylington is expected to be in lineup tonight for the AHL’s Wranglers at the Saddledome, his first game — at any level — since May 2022 ... https://t.co/QNZ40X6yKZ
Oliver Kylington ready to return to game action with #Flames’ farm team https://t.co/aKRKEnqyQH
Another huge step for Oliver Kylington in his return. He’s trending towards playing for the AHL Wranglers Thursday night vs. Ontario. Would be his first game action since May 2022. Wranglers general manager Brad Pascall will join us at 5:30 pm for more. #Flames