When you think about the Calgary Flames prospect pool, Rory Kerins likely isn’t the first player that comes to mind. The 22-year-old centreman was drafted back in 2020 in the sixth round and has since been overshadowed by other players in the system.
Kerins played his first full season in the AHL last year, scoring 16 goals and 32 points in 54 games. This season, his hot start has been the story, and he’s already turning the heads of fans. He has seven goals and eight points in four games, including an impressive hat trick against the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
With Kerins showing progression at the professional level, I feel he may be a player that Flames fans could be sleeping on. If he continues his strong play, don’t be surprised if Kerins is rewarded with an NHL opportunity sooner rather than later.
Flames’ lack of centre depth could allow Kerins an opportunity
It’s common knowledge that the Flames lack depth down the middle. Besides their NHL-caliber centres, the organization doesn’t have many other options. Their depth recently took a hit when Cole Schwindt was claimed off waivers by the Vegas Golden Knights, so centres are the Flames’ most significant need right now.
While Justin Kirkland has done a solid job as the Flames’ fourth-line centre so far, the organization may also want to look at other players. This is where Kerins comes in. With the way he plays right now, a call-up must be considered. He currently leads the entire AHL in scoring and has taken his bigger opportunity with the Wranglers to heart. Assuming his health stays in check, he could be in for a big year.
It also helps that Kerins is only 22 years of age. He’s still so young, and this may not even be his peak yet. Yes, I know it’s early, but his production is very encouraging for a sixth-round pick drafted four years ago. Nevertheless, until the Flames truly solve their centre issues, Kerins should strongly be considered as another young player who gets an NHL look.
Kerins could be more than what the Flames think he is
Fans aren’t exactly familiar with Kerins’ ceiling, but a strong start like his may change some opinions. Sometimes, it’s the most unlikely candidates who can make the biggest impact, and that’s why young players can be so unpredictable at the NHL level.
Take Martin Pospisil for example: A year ago, he wasn’t even considered an NHLer, and today, he’s an integral part of the Flames’ lineup. If he had never gotten that call-up, Flames fans would’ve never known the player he would’ve become.
Kerins isn’t expected to follow the same path, but there could be more to him than what the Flames think this player is. Giving him a fair chance to earn his way into the Flames lineup makes sense. This year’s training camp theme was that hard work pays off. While Kerins didn’t make the team directly out of camp, it still doesn’t mean that opportunities aren’t going to pop up throughout the season.
The Flames have also exited the phase in which veterans were given more opportunities than younger, less established players. Given Kerins’ position and his hot start to the season, putting him on the list for potential call-ups makes too much sense. We’ll see if Kerins’ play is sustainable, but you gotta give kudos to the kid for establishing himself early on during the season. It’ll surely be an excellent story to follow as the year progresses.
