‘Felt like myself again’: Oliver Kylington returns to Flames practice

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Oliver Kylington paused ever so barely, looking for the appropriate phrase to explain his first full follow with the Calgary Flames because the spring of 2022.

“Right now felt sort of … regular,” Kylington mentioned. “It felt like I’ve been right here so many instances so I used to be simply completely satisfied and I obtained numerous power out of it.

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“I simply felt like myself once more.”

Whether or not you’re a Flames fan or not, that reply ought to put an amazing large smile in your face.

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Regular.

Good.

Kylington has been working towards a day like this — and towards an eventual return to NHL recreation motion — for the previous season and a half. The 26-year-old defenceman has been open about needing the time to concentrate on his psychological well being, and the group has been dedicated to offering assist and sources. (It is going to be the identical with ahead Dillon Dube, who’s now on indefinite depart for mental-health causes.)

“It’s enjoyable to see everybody once more and it was enjoyable to share the ice with everybody. So I felt good,” Kylington mentioned after Monday’s follow. “I used to be wanting ahead to it and I simply tried to actually strategy it as some other day, however that was sort of arduous. Yesterday, I had a second for myself. There was one time limit I didn’t assume I used to be going to be right here, so it was sort of emotional, however in a great way.

“I used to be excited to come back right here at this time and see everybody and simply share the ice with everybody and play hockey once more.”

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Kylington, who spent all of final season in Sweden however has been again in Calgary because the fall, not too long ago accomplished a conditioning stint with the AHL’s Wranglers.

Whereas he gained’t be rushed in his return to the Flames’ lineup, Monday was one other vital step for No. 58.

“No timeline,” confused Flames skipper Ryan Huska. “However the best way he appeared at this time, it appeared like he hasn’t missed a beat on the ice in follow.”

Kylington has actually been missed across the rink. He’s been feeling the love and assist of teammates by means of their calls and textual content messages.

On Monday, because the gamers skated warm-up laps, Rasmus Andersson wrapped an arm round his blue-line buddy as the 2 shared amusing.

After Kylington wired a wrist shot previous Dan Vladar in one of many drills, he acquired a fist bump from Elias Lindholm.

The cameras clicked at any time when he flashed his huge grin, and that was a frequent prevalence throughout a 40-minute session. On the conclusion of follow, with teammates insisting that he lead the stretch at heart ice, any individual shouted out, ‘Welcome again!’ He wasn’t positive who, comprehensible since he was listening to an identical message from everyone.

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“He was across the room fairly a bit in December, skating with the injured guys, so it was nice to have him round,” mentioned Flames captain Mikael Backlund. “However at this time, to be within the locker room, dressing with us, skating with us, it was actually good. He advised me an amazing story earlier than about how he was tremendous excited. I felt actually completely satisfied for him and actually completely satisfied he’s again.”

“We missed him lots, particularly within the locker room,” Lindholm added. “He’s such a cheerful man and spreads numerous power. And clearly he’s a heck of a hockey participant, as nicely. However simply to see him right here … We’re simply completely satisfied to have him again and be part of the group.”

Whereas there was a particular buzz about Kylington’s return, feelings had been combined Monday due to Dube’s absence. The Flames had introduced the day before today that the 25-year-old speedster will likely be away from the workforce indefinitely “as he attends to his psychological well being.”

In what was a easy and but highly effective message, Kylington replied to a social media submit sharing that information with a single coronary heart emoji.

“I’ve performed with Dubs for a very long time. I do know him fairly nicely,” Kylington mentioned. “I’m unsure what he’s going by means of, however I’m there for him. When he’s prepared and he desires to share, I understand how it feels so I’m there for him.

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“I believe the entire group helps him and his resolution and simply desires him to really feel higher and take these steps to get again. I simply look after him.”

That was echoed all through the locker room.

One buddy again, one other on their minds.

“(Dube) is aware of that we’re right here for him and able to assist him with something he wants,” mentioned Flames alternate captain Chris Tanev. “If he desires to go for a espresso, if he desires to go for a beer, if he desires to go for dinner, even simply to hang around …

“Anybody in right here, if somebody calls, I believe they might rise up and go over and assist them immediately. I believe that’s the beauty of this group.”

wgilbertson@postmedia.com

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