On his initial NHL call-up, Rory Kerins recorded an assist on his very first shift.
He’d love to make another immediate impact, but the top priority this time is to earn a permanent stay with the Calgary Flames.
Kerins, who appeared in five games with the Flames last season, has been summoned from the AHL’s Wranglers and is expected to be in the home team’s lineup for Thursday’s clash with the San Jose Sharks.
The 23-year-old centre knocked on the door during training camp, then continued to build momentum with a strong start in the minors.
He is currently pacing the farm team with five goals and 14 points in 13 games this fall. In fact, he sits in the Top 10 in the AHL’s scoring race.
During a radio interview earlier this season, Wranglers bench boss Brett Sutter also praised Kerins for his determination to be more of a difference-maker in the defensive zone.
His sky-high hockey sense, long considered his greatest attribute, should be helpful at both ends of the rink.
“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 said last month on Flames Talk on Sportsnet 960 The Fan. “He’s really responsible defensively. He’s turning pucks over less because he’s making the right play at the right time.
“He’s taken a step in the faceoff circle. Last year, we almost had to protect him sometimes. Now, he’s going out and taking big draws at big moments against the other team’s top centre.
Related
“Obviously, he worked really hard this summer on his conditioning. I think he took another step in his skating. And I’ve been really proud of him for the way he’s committed to play a 200-foot game on both side of the puck.”
The Flames are awaiting news at noon MT on whether Justin Kirkland has been claimed off waivers. If the 29-year-old Kirkland clears, he’s expected to be reassigned to the Wranglers.