The Calgary Flames have placed forward Justin Kirkland on waivers for the second time this season, marking another chapter in what’s been a back-and-forth year for the 27-year-old.
Kirkland, who’s been with the Flames organization since the 2019-20 season, has spent the bulk of this campaign bouncing between the NHL roster and the press box. Since being recalled in mid-December, he’s served primarily as a depth option-slotting into the lineup when needed and watching from the sidelines when not.
He’s played in 20 games so far, recording a goal and an assist while averaging just under 10 minutes of ice time per night. That’s not eye-popping production, but it’s worth noting that Kirkland’s usage has leaned more toward utility than opportunity.
One area where he’s carved out a bit of a niche is on the penalty kill. Despite limited overall minutes, he’s logged nearly two minutes per game short-handed-an indication that the coaching staff sees value in his defensive reliability and positioning. That kind of trust isn’t handed out lightly, especially on special teams.
At the AHL level, Kirkland has consistently been a top-six contributor. Whether with the Stockton Heat or now with the Calgary Wranglers, he’s shown he can produce offensively in the minors.
This season, he’s tallied five goals and seven points in 14 AHL games. Last year, he put up 30 points in 43 contests-solid numbers that underscore his ability to impact the game when given a more prominent role.
So why the waiver wire again? Part of it comes down to roster flexibility.
With a $900,000 cap hit on a one-way contract, Kirkland isn’t exactly a bargain-bin pickup for teams looking to add depth. That salary, combined with his limited offensive upside at the NHL level, makes it less likely he’ll be claimed-though the fact that he can play center and contribute on the PK could tempt a team in need of a plug-and-play forward.
Still, the most likely outcome here is that Kirkland clears waivers and returns to the Wranglers, where he can continue to play meaningful minutes and stay ready for the next call-up. For the Flames, he remains a valuable organizational piece-someone who knows the system, can step into the lineup when needed, and contribute in a pinch.
It’s not a flashy role, but it’s an important one. And for a player like Kirkland, who’s built his career on consistency and versatility, it’s the kind of reliability that keeps doors open.