Justin Kirkland

Kirkland had a promising start to the 2024-25 campaign, recording two goals, eight points, 11 PIM, nine shots and 45 hits in 21 appearances with Calgary, but he suffered a knee injury Nov. 29 and missed the remainder of the campaign as a result. The timing of the injury was especially unfortunate because he’s 29 years old and had just nine games worth of NHL experience going into 2024-25, so Kirkland might have otherwise been one of the feel-good stories of the campaign. Still, Kirkland is projected to enter this season on the fourth line, so he’ll have another chance to cement himself in the NHL. Temper your expectations when it comes to his offense -- even 20 points would be really good given his role -- but look for him to get 150-175 hits if he stays healthy and in the lineup.