In what should surprise few, forward Justin Kirkland is the Calgary Flames’ nominee for the 2025 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This award recognizes the player who “best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.”
Each team nominates a player for the award. Three players are named as finalists, and one wins the award.
Why was Kirkland the Flames’ nominee for the Masterton?
Kirkland’s entire career has been the definition of perseverance and dedication to hockey. The former Kelowna Rocket was drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2014 in the third round and would put up 51 points in 50 games to help the team reach the Memorial Cup final that season.
Following that season, Kirkland spent much of the next year in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals, where he put up 21 points in 56 games. His next two seasons in the AHL didn’t see much improvement, topping out at a 30-point season in 2018–19.
Unsigned by Nashville, Kirkland signed with the Flames in July 2019, joining the Stockton Heat for the next three seasons. He became a fan favourite in Southern California, finishing the 2021–22 season with 48 points and 75 penalty minutes in 66 games.
Again unsigned, Kirkland signed a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks in July 2022. He made his NHL debut that season against the Los Angeles Kings. However, after seven NHL games, Kirkland was injured in a serious car accident and ended up on the injured reserve. Six weeks later, he was placed on waivers and sent back down to the AHL for the balance of the season.
From there, Kirkland signed with the Arizona Coyotes in July 2023. He spent the majority of the year in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners. He did get into two NHL games but did not record a point in either of them.
Kirkland’s second stint in Calgary
This season, Kirkland joined the Flames again, signing a one-year deal. This was the year that his NHL career finally took flight. The 28-year-old featured in 21 NHL games, scoring his first and second NHL goals and adding six assists in that time.
But just as his career was finally taking off, Kirkland suffered a knee injury that required surgery. That was the end of his 2024–25 season. His dedication and commitment to continuing his hockey career year after year and finally making it as an NHLer at the age of 28 changed the trajectory of his life. This dedication and commitment are what make him an excellent nominee for this award.
Will Kirkland win the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy?
There are feel-good stories all over the NHL this year, and a lot of players deserve a long look for this award. However, Kirkland has an excellent case to at least be a finalist this season. Not only has he battled through injuries, bad luck, and more, but he has fought each battle and shown that he is more than an AHL player.
If Kirkland wins the award, he will be the first Flame to do it since Gary Roberts in 1995–96. More recently, former Flame Jamie McLennan won the award in 1997–98 when he overcame bacterial meningitis with the St. Louis Blues.
Kirkland deserves a long consideration for this award. Even if he doesn’t win it or end up as a finalist, he has shown that he deserves another contract in the NHL. Hopefully, it will be with the Flames next season.
