Rory Kerins isn’t just a feel-good story — he’s becoming a real factor in the Flames organization.
The 23-year-old forward signed a one-year, two-way deal with Calgary on July 17, giving him another shot to prove he belongs in the NHL. Based on last season’s strides, he’s earning more than just a second look.
Kerins made his NHL debut on January 13, 2025, and didn’t waste time making an impression. He picked up two assists in his first-ever game against the Chicago Blackhawks and finished his five-game stint with the Flames posting four points (4a) and a plus-3 rating.
Small sample size? Sure. But the kid looked comfortable.
Where he really turned heads was in the AHL. Kerins lit it up for the Calgary Wranglers last season, notching 33 goals – a career best – and leading the team with 61 points. His offensive instincts were on full display, and he’s quietly becoming one of the best late-round value picks Calgary has made in recent years.
Let’s not forget: Kerins was a sixth-rounder — 174th overall — in the 2020 NHL Draft. Players taken in that range don’t usually carve out clear NHL paths, but the Caledon, Ontario native has steadily climbed the ladder. From the ECHL, to the AHL, to skating with the big club last season — he’s checked every box along the way.
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Kerins has amassed 95 points (50g, 45a) in 127 AHL games with the Wranglers, and the former Flames affiliate, the Stockton Heat. That production, combined with his relentless pace and developing two-way game, is putting him on Calgary’s radar for good.
At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Kerins might not tower over opponents, but he plays with bite and intelligence — and he’s clearly not done growing as a player.
With a cap hit of $775,000 on his new deal, the Flames get flexibility — and Kerins gets another well-earned shot to show he’s ready to stick with the big club for good.
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