Did The Maple Leafs Miss Out On The Blue Line Steal In Free Agency? – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Colorado Avalanche have officially signed defenseman Oliver Kylington to a one-year contract worth $1.05 million. The 27-year-old was playing for the Calgary Flames, where he experienced some rough and tumble and personal issues that forced him to miss the 2022-23 season. He appeared in 33 games in the 2023-24 season, recording eight points with three goals and five assists and when he wanted to sign with the Flames again this summer, the two sides could not reach an agreement.

Kylington's journey back to the NHL has been challenging but he has a season in the books in 2021-22 that looks to be very good. In fact, when he played in Calgary with Chris Tanev in 2021-22, his numbers were excellent. It's fair to ask, did the Toronto Maple Leafs miss an opportunity here to get a player on the cheap that could have been valuable this season?

Kylington Can Add Depth and Variability to Maple Leaves

Although the Flames have shown interest in bringing him back, they have been cautious about the terms of the contract and rumors that the defenseman is looking for a four-year contract are unlikely to come true. The Flames weren't willing to commit, and apparently, neither was anyone else. Because of this, he has inked a deal with the Avalanche on a short-term deal that will give him a chance to show that he still has something to offer.

The fact that Kylington remained unsigned for over a month is unfortunate. His willingness to sign a one-year, no-cost contract with Colorado suggests he wanted a chance with a contender. However, the Avs have a strong group of blueliners. Nothing will be given there. That opportunity would have been there in Toronto, if the bonus has already shown that it fits well with the defender the team recently signed.

Do Maple Leaves Need Kylington?

In Colorado, Kylington will face competition for space on a blue line that includes Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Sam Girard, and Josh Manson, as well as other left-shooting defensemen like Erik Brannstrom, Calvin de Haan, and Jacob MacDonald. It's fair to suggest the Leafs wouldn't have a guaranteed spot for him. With a deep roster of left defensemen, including Morgan Rielly at the top, and Jake McCabe, and Simon Benoit rounding out the team, the Leafs are well stocked. It's also fair to argue that they could use an offensive-minded defenseman like Kylington for depth and competition.

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At the very least, Kylington had an affordable price tag. He is the definition of low risk, high reward. These are the types of additions the Leafs are looking to make, even if they are likely to focus on making them going forward. Still, one has to wonder if the Leafs were right to choose to sign Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a four-year deal worth $3.5 million per season when Kylington was out there for less than a third of that amount. To be fair, Kylington wasn't cheap when Ekman-Larsson was signed.

Can Kylington Prove Multiple Teams, Including Wrong Map Leaves?

Kylington's offensive power and ability to move the puck could have given the Leafs an extra dimension on their blue line. His presence would encourage competition for roster spots, ensuring that every defenseman brings his best to the ice. Despite the Leafs' depth, adding Kylington at such a low cost would have been a strategic move to improve their defensive structure and provide insurance against injuries and performance fluctuations.

The question remains whether the Leafs missed an opportunity to strengthen the defense with a player who has shown strength and skill. And, how many other teams have done it too?