The Calgary Flames have recalled centre Justin Kirkland from the minors, with the 28-year-old expected to skate on the fourth line for Saturday’s home-opener at the Saddledome.
In a corresponding roster move, Kevin Rooney was placed on injured reserve.
Kirkland is in his second stint with the organization, although he has yet to log a regular-season appearance in the Flaming C logo. He spent three seasons with Calgary’s farm club, then based in Stockton, Calif.
He returns with nine NHL outings on his resume, including a pair with the Arizona Coyotes during the 2023-24 campaign. When the Flames signed Kirkland as a free agent this summer, part of the appeal was his status as one of the AHL’s top faceoff men.
Rooney was injured Wednesday on a hit by Vancouver Canucks forward JT Miller. Crews had started to wheel a stretcher onto the ice when he was helped back to his feet by a pair of teammates.
Asked Thursday for an update, Flames coach Ryan Huska told reporters that the 31-year-old Rooney is
“I guess we’d consider him day-to-day now,” Huska said. “He’s still getting looked at a little bit, but he’s doing well. So we’re happy to say that, for sure.”