Liam Kirk and the NHL

[Panthersfan]

Whats the situation with Kirk for next season. Is he going back to Jukerit (where he was on loan at), to Atlanta (where he was sent to from Tucson), to Phoenix (who presumably still own his rights) or wasn't there a rumour about Switzerland as well ?

[steeler pete]

The only thing I can see for 23/24 season is on Elite prospects where the assumption seems to be that he'll be back with Tucson.

It seems to me Tucson either don't like him or consider him to be a gamble given the injury in his first season with them. I'm sure he'd love still to be in with a NHL chance with the Coyotes but if their AHL affiliate won't give him ice time?? He was quickly dispatched to Atlanta last season, but clearly someone with influence considered him too good for the ECHL hence his Jukurit loan. He certainly didn't disgrace himself at that level with 19 points from 25 games.

Maybe the rumour mill can come up with some more or we'll have to wait until Tucson's pre-season starts.

[steeler pete]

Found this blog which doesn’t sound too optimistic for his future in Arizona.

https://ukhockeyfan.co.uk/2023/06/18/a- ... liam-kirk/

[Shaun]

Doesn’t make a lot of sense as a blog, just a list of players who may or may not be signed by Arizona.


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[Panthersfan]

One thing in his favour is that the Hockey operations staff (Head coach, A/C, GM, DHO) is unchanged since they signed him, so it's not like he has to prove himself to people that don't know him. Although, in a sense he does have a lot to prove as he's had a year away.

[wakefieldsteelersfan]

Looks like the NHL dream is over for him sadly. Placed on unconditional waivers and pretty much confirmed as signing in the Czech league.
Shame, with his knee injury he never really got a chance to show what he could do over there.

[ginger]

Was always going to be a long shot and injury just made it harder.

Didn't help being in Arizona - awful organisation for development (unless an absolute nailed on nhler like Keller).

I hope he now goes on to have a very successful career in top European leagues and we don't see him back over here until he's the wrong side of 32

[Panthersfan]

I commented on a rival forum that I was thinking he's now got to prove himself capable of being a regular contributor for his team. We've seen what he can do for GB, and he did well in short stints at Tucson, Atlanta and Jukerit. But it's a fresh start in a new league where there will be expectation. Good luck &hope we don't see him back in the UK any time soon

[steeler pete]

Elite Prospects has him on HC Livinov roster. So Czech Extraliga it is.

Good luck Liam

[smbmetal]

Whilst it was always a long shot to play even one game in the NHL, I think Liam will do really well in Europe, I think the European style will suit his play better.

If we ever manage to qualify for the CHL again, we might see him play against us one day.

Good luck Kirky!!