It’s been a long wait for Oliver Kylington, but he’s finally back in the NHL after the Calgary Flames recalled him today. Kylington made his NHL debut back in 2016 as an 18-year old, but has spent the last two seasons in the AHL with the Stockton Heat. The team has also recalled Ryan Lomberg, as both Michael Stone and Michael Frolik were placed on injured reserve.
Kylington, 21, was one of the most impressive defensemen in the Swedish junior and minor league ranks when he was selected 60th overall in 2015 and has continued to record solid offensive numbers in North America for Stockton. The incredibly smooth-skating defenseman has tremendous upside despite the fact that he hasn’t made an impact at the NHL level yet, and could still become a force in the top-4 for Calgary one day. That may not necessarily come today, but just the fact that he was one of the first recalls when injury struck has to be reassuring to the young defenseman.
Lomberg meanwhile is a 23-year old winger, but comes with a much different pedigree and play style. The bang-and-crash forward has put up solid numbers in the AHL since signing as an undrafted free agent, and could provide some energy to the fourth line for Calgary. Lomberg played in seven games last season for the Flames, but is still looking for his first NHL goal.