The Arizona Coyotes have announced that they’ve recalled forward Justin Kirkland from the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL. The recall was done on an emergency basis last night and could provide the 27-year-old with his first look at NHL action this season after he dressed in seven NHL games last season with the Anaheim Ducks. He was held scoreless during that time.
Kirkland has played nine AHL games so far this season and has a single goal and nine assists. The native of Camrose, Alberta originally signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Coyotes back on July 15th and was waived at the start of the season before he was assigned to Tucson.
Kirkland dressed in 365 AHL games before he received an opportunity to play in the NHL. That chance came last December when he suited up in his first career game against the Los Angeles Kings. Unfortunately, his NHL run was cut short by a car accident on January 7th that he was involved in while he was on his way to a game against the Boston Bruins. Kirkland suffered some injuries in the crash and did not make it back to the NHL with the Ducks.
With his recall, Kirkland may get another opportunity to show he belongs in the NHL, and he has earned it after his solid start in the AHL this season.
Kirkland…drafted out of Costco U…his agent’s selling point: “ he’s just as good as the bigger names..but half the cost!”