Team Great Britain forward Liam Kirk has been placed on unconditional waivers by the Arizona Coyotes, per Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports.
Kirk, the first English-born and -trained player to be drafted to the National Hockey League, spent the second half of last season, the second of a three-year entry-level contract, on loan in Finland’s Liiga with Jukurit.
The Yorkshireman enjoyed a productive spell in Europe, recording 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) in 25 appearances for the Mikkelin-based club.
Liam Kirk, Jukurit and Team GB (Image: Mikko Kankainen)
Prior to his loan move, Kirk recorded 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 15 contests with the ECHL’s Atlanta Gladiators.
However, his time under contract with the Coyotes was headlined by the major knee injury that he suffered a season earlier.
If the 23-year-old clears waivers as forecast, his contract with Arizona will be terminated and he will become an unrestricted free agent.
British Ice Hockey understands that Kirk will join Litvínov of the Czech Extraliga in the days ahead.
Analysis: Liam Kirk will bounce back from unconditional waivers experience
In January, when the Arizona Coyotes loaned Liam Kirk to a midtable side from Finland, the writing was already on the wall.
Kirk’s days as a member of the Coyotes were numbered and he would likely be forced to explore alternative opportunities a season before his entry-level contract was supposed to elapse.
The Englishman’s injury defined his time under contract in Arizona and killed every ounce of momentum he built the summer before his rookie season at the IIHF World Championship.
Kirk plummeted down the Coyotes’ prospect pyramid after his injury and was mothballed by the American Hockey League’s Tucson Roadrunners upon his return.
While there have been plenty of indications that Arizona was prepared to move on from Kirk, the organisation’s decision is still a little odd.
The 23-year-old was a standout performer during his time in Finland, finishing the season as one of Jukurit’s top point producers.
He also starred for Team Great Britain at the Division 1A World Championship, with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in five games en route to an immediate top tier return.
Regardless, his time in Arizona is done and a return to Europe is now on the cards.
British Ice Hockey understands that Kirk is set to join Czech Extraliga side Litvínov, joining forces with former NHLer Ondrej Kase.
If the transfer is completed, it would be an interesting move for Kirk – who succeeded in a stronger league last term.
Despite the challenges he faced as an Arizona prospect, there is no doubt that Kirk has the resilience to bounce back stronger next season.
Keep an eye on Team GB’s rising star as he strives to carve out a successful professional career on the continent.
