The Calgary Flames have bolstered their roster by recalling centre Rory Kerins from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers. The 23-year-old forward, who made a memorable NHL debut with an assist on his very first shift last season, is expected to be in the lineup for Thursday's home game against the San Jose Sharks.
From Memorable Debut to Another Opportunity
Kerins is no stranger to the Flames' lineup, having appeared in five games with the team last season. His initial call-up was highlighted by an immediate impact, recording an assist on his first NHL shift. Now, as he returns to the big league, the focus shifts from a one-game splash to securing a permanent spot on the roster.
The young centre has been knocking on the door of the NHL since a strong performance during training camp. He has continued to build a compelling case with his play in the AHL, where he has been the Wranglers' most productive offensive player this fall.
Dominating the AHL and Earning Praise
Kerins' statistics with the Wranglers make his promotion unsurprising. He is currently leading the farm team with five goals and 14 points in just 13 games this season. This production places him among the elite scorers in the entire AHL, sitting in the Top 10 of the league's scoring race.
Perhaps more importantly, his all-around game has earned significant praise from Wranglers head coach Brett Sutter. In a recent radio interview on Flames Talk on Sportsnet 960 The Fan, Sutter highlighted Kerins' substantial development, particularly in areas beyond scoring.
A Commitment to a 200-Foot Game
"I think the big thing with Rory is he's picked up right where he left off offensively, but now he's taken the other side of the game to the next level," Sutter stated. The coach emphasized that Kerins has become a more responsible defensive player, turning the puck over less frequently and making smarter decisions.
This commitment to a complete, 200-foot game is a crucial step for any player aspiring to a full-time NHL role. Sutter also noted marked improvements in specific skills, including faceoffs, an area where Kerins needed protection in the past. "Now, he's going out and taking big draws at big moments against the other team's top centre," Sutter added, crediting the player's hard work on his conditioning and skating over the summer.
The Flames made room on the roster by placing forward Justin Kirkland on waivers. The team was awaiting news at noon MT on whether Kirkland had been claimed. If he clears waivers, he is expected to be reassigned to the Wranglers.
