Justin Kirkland Bio
Justin Kirkland is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a centre for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). Kirkland was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but grew up in Camrose, Alberta. Known for his strong playing style and two-way forward ability, he has built a professional career spanning multiple organizations across the NHL and American Hockey League (AHL), demonstrating consistent offensive production and versatility throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Justin Kirkland was born on August 2, 1996, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. His family relocated to Camrose, Alberta, where he spent his formative years developing as a hockey player. Kirkland began his organized hockey journey playing at the bantam triple-A level for the Camrose Kodiaks U15 AAA team in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League, honing the skills that would carry him into junior hockey.
During his early years in Camrose, Kirkland established himself as a promising prospect, attracting attention from Western Hockey League (WHL) scouts. He later attended Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Saskatchewan from 2011 to 2013, where he continued his academic and athletic development while competing against some of the top junior talent in Western Canada.
Path to Professional Hockey
Kirkland’s strong performance at the bantam level led to his selection by the Kelowna Rockets in the fifth round, 103rd overall, of the 2011 WHL bantam draft. After completing his time at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, he earned a full-time spot on the Rockets roster beginning with the 2013-14 season. In his rookie WHL campaign, Kirkland recorded 48 points in 68 games, finishing eighth in team scoring and demonstrating his potential as an offensive threat.
His impressive rookie season caught the attention of NHL scouts. The Nashville Predators selected Kirkland in the third round, 62nd overall, during the 2014 NHL entry draft. This selection marked his transition from a promising junior player to an NHL draft prospect with a clear path toward professional hockey.
Justin Kirkland Career
Junior Career and Breakthrough (2013-2016)
Following his NHL draft selection, Kirkland continued his development with the Kelowna Rockets. The 2014-15 season proved to be a breakthrough year as he recorded 51 points in 50 games, helping the Rockets capture the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions. Kirkland contributed significantly during the Memorial Cup run, scoring twice against the Quebec Remparts in the tournament’s lead-up games. The Rockets advanced to the Memorial Cup final but were defeated by the Oshawa Generals in overtime, 2-1.
His final junior season in 2015-16 saw Kirkland post 67 points in 69 games, further establishing his reputation as a consistent offensive performer. Impressed by his continued development, the Nashville Predators signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract on May 16, 2016, officially beginning his professional hockey career.
Nashville Predators Organization (2016-2019)
Kirkland began his professional career in the Predators organization during the 2016-17 season. He appeared in four games with the Cincinnati Cyclones, Nashville’s ECHL affiliate at the time, but spent the majority of the season with the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL. He continued with the Admirals for the following two seasons, with his most productive campaign coming in 2018-19 when he recorded nine goals and 30 points.
As a restricted free agent following the 2018-19 season, Kirkland did not receive a qualifying offer from the Predators, making him an unrestricted free agent. This marked the end of his tenure in the Nashville organization and the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Calgary Flames Era (2019-2022)
On July 1, 2019, Kirkland signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Calgary Flames, reuniting him with former Rockets teammate Dillon Dubé. He was assigned to the Flames’ AHL affiliate, the Stockton Heat, for the 2019-20 season. Kirkland responded with his best offensive season as a professional at that point, scoring six goals and 28 points in 53 games.
The Flames re-signed him to another one-year deal on September 28, 2020, and he spent the entire 2020-21 season with the Heat. Kirkland signed yet another one-year, two-way contract on August 25, 2021. The 2021-22 season proved to be his most productive as a professional, as he scored 25 goals and 48 points in 66 games with the Heat, helping lead the team to the AHL Western Conference Finals.
Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes (2022-2024)
Following his tenure with the Flames organization, Kirkland signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Anaheim Ducks on July 14, 2022. He began the 2022-23 season with the Ducks’ AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, before being recalled to the NHL on December 20, 2022. Kirkland made his NHL debut that night in a 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, appearing in seven games with the Ducks.
On January 9, while traveling to a game against the Boston Bruins in Anaheim, Kirkland was involved in a serious car crash. He was hospitalized overnight and released the following morning. After recovering from the injury, he was placed on waivers and subsequently assigned to the Gulls, where he finished the season with nine goals and 18 points in 32 games.
Kirkland signed with the Arizona Coyotes on July 15, 2023. He began the 2023-24 season with Arizona’s AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, after being placed on waivers and going unclaimed at the start of the season. He was recalled and sent down multiple times before making his Coyotes debut on January 7, 2024, against the Winnipeg Jets.
Return to Calgary (2024-Present)
Following the Coyotes’ franchise shift to Utah, Kirkland’s rights transferred to the Utah Hockey Club. Instead of continuing with the new organization, he opted to return to the Calgary Flames, agreeing to a one-year, two-way contract on July 3, 2024. This marked his second stint with the Flames organization.
Kirkland scored his first NHL goal on October 13, 2024, beating Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers in a 4-1 Flames victory. However, his season took a significant turn when he suffered a knee injury during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 29, 2024. The injury required ACL surgery and ended his 2024-25 season. In 21 games with Calgary before the injury, Kirkland recorded two goals and six assists.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kirkland plays the centre position and shoots left. At 6 feet 3 inches and 193 pounds, he brings size and physicality to his game. His career has showcased consistent offensive production at the AHL level and steady improvement that translated into his first NHL goal during his 2024-25 season with the Flames. His two-way forward ability has allowed him to contribute at both ends of the ice throughout his professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Kirkland’s career came on October 13, 2024, when he scored his first NHL goal during his long-awaited debut season at hockey’s highest level. His junior career included a Memorial Cup final appearance with the Kelowna Rockets in 2015, and his AHL career featured multiple 20-goal seasons and a trip to the Western Conference Finals with the Stockton/Calgary Heat organization in 2022.
Justin Kirkland Career Statistics
Throughout his professional career, Kirkland has demonstrated consistent offensive ability in the American Hockey League while working toward establishing himself at the NHL level. His most productive professional season came in 2021-22 with the Calgary Heat, where he posted 25 goals and 48 points in 66 AHL games.
NHL Highlights
Kirkland appeared in his first NHL games during the 2022-23 season with the Anaheim Ducks, making his debut on December 20, 2022. His first NHL goal came nearly two years later on October 13, 2024, with the Calgary Flames against the Edmonton Oilers. His NHL career has been limited by injuries and waiver transactions, but he continues to work toward establishing himself as a regular NHL contributor.
AHL Career Highlights
Kirkland has built his professional reputation primarily in the American Hockey League. His best AHL season came in 2021-22 with the Calgary Heat, recording 25 goals and 48 points in 66 games. He has also had productive seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals (9 goals, 30 points in 2018-19) and the San Diego Gulls (9 goals, 18 points in 2022-23). His AHL career includes a Western Conference Finals appearance with the Heat in 2022.
Justin Kirkland Family
Personal Life
Justin Kirkland grew up in Camrose, Alberta, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. He gained the nickname “Costco” as a nod to the Kirkland Signature products sold at Costco stores, a playful reference to his surname that has followed him throughout his hockey career.
Kirkland maintains connections to his Alberta roots and has expressed appreciation for his time in both Camrose and Calgary throughout his career. His return to the Calgary Flames organization in 2024 reflected his desire to continue his NHL career in a familiar environment.
2025 Season Outlook
Kirkland’s 2024-25 season was cut short due to ACL surgery following a knee injury sustained on November 29, 2024, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The injury occurred just as he was settling into a regular role with the Calgary Flames after scoring his first NHL goal earlier in the season. As he continues his recovery and rehabilitation during the 2025 calendar year, Kirkland will look to return to full health and compete for a permanent spot on the Flames roster. His previous production at the AHL level and his eventual breakthrough at the NHL demonstrate his capability to contribute at the professional ranks when healthy.