The Calgary Flames have announced that Justin Kirkland will be out for the rest of the season after receiving surgery for a torn ACL. This marks the second season-ending injury a Flames player has suffered, as earlier on, Anthony Mantha was also done for the season after experiencing a similar injury.
.@MFradiology Injury Update: Forward Justin Kirkland underwent successful ACL surgery today and he will be out for the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/JrvIVpFslF
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) December 4, 2024
Kirkland throughout his playing career has mostly been a regular in the minors. Before being a part of the Flames’ lineup, the 28-year-old only appeared in nine career NHL games with the Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Hockey Club).
His short stint with the Flames this season was going quite well, as in 21 games, he managed to score two goals and eight points and flourished as the team’s fourth-line center. Kirkland also established himself as a strong shootout candidate, scoring on 3/4 shootout attempts this season.
It’s unfortunate for the Flames to have another player miss the season due to an ACL issue. We wish nothing but the best for Kirkland and hope for a speedy recovery!
Could the Flames potentially call up more youth?
Kirkland was one of the best options for the fourth-line center spot. Now with his injury news, could opportunities open up for more young players to crack the lineup?
The Flames’ center depth is weak, and while Kevin Rooney has been serviceable, the team has another intriguing option in Rory Kerins, who is currently having a dominant year with the Wranglers. The 22-year-old center has 15 goals and 22 points in 21 AHL games, and it seems like only a matter of time before he gets a shot with the Flames.
Could Kerins get called up sooner rather than later? Flames fans as of late have been expressing their desire to see the team give him a chance, and now with the latest injury news, it makes the most sense.
