The Calgary Flames have found their fourth-line center replacement after the injury to Kevin Rooney.
The team has recalled forward Justin Kirkland from the Calgary Wranglers, while simultaneously placing Rooney on IR.
The move comes as the team is lacking in center depth, but also as a bit of a surprise at other options available to the team.
The Kirkland Signature
Kirkland has been with the Flames organization on and off for the past few seasons. He played three seasons with the Stockton Heat from 2019-2022, before stints with the Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes organization. He re-signed with the Flames this offseason and it looks like he will get his first NHL action with the club.
In his career, he has played nine NHL games registering zero points, and sits as a -3. His best year professionally was in 2021-22 with the Head where he logged 25 goals and 48 points, along with 12 points in 13 playoff games.
Kirkland is a career AHL guy, so it will be nice for the team to give him an opportunity while Rooney and Yegor Sharangovich are injured.
This highlights a major organizational issue: the center depth is simply not there. With the loss of Cole Schwindt on waivers to the Vegas Golden Knights, many would have thought that Sam Morton would have been the first call-up based on his camp performance. The team is likely looking for someone with more pro experience in the interim, with Kirkland getting the first shot.
You also wonder if the team will look to pick up another center. Perhaps waiver wire wonder Raphael Lavoie? The team needs more centerman and soon.
