Flames fans are heartbroken for Kirkland after injury news breaks
Calgary Flames fans were quite upset today to learn that Justin Kirkland will miss the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury.
Kirkland was injured early in Friday’s game versus the Columbus Blue JacketsĀ and was ruled out shortly after with what the Flames had then deemed a lower-body injury. This afternoon, they announced that he recently underwent successful ACL surgery.
.@MFradiology Injury Update: Forward Justin Kirkland underwent successful ACL surgery today and he will be out for the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/JrvIVpFslF
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) December 4, 2024
This is devastating news for Kirkland, who had established himself as a full-time NHLer for the first time this season at the age of 28.
Kirkland’s story of carving out a role at a rather late age resonated well with fans, who quickly came to know him by his nickname, “Costco.” He had done a solid job providing secondary offence in a fourth-line centre role and quickly proved to be a major threat in shootouts.
Justin "Costco" Kirkland with identical shootout goals in bulk š¦ pic.twitter.com/S6FpqzA7Zu
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 25, 2024
To no surprise, Flames fans were absolutely devastated upon hearing today’s news.
Heartbreaking. Really like this guy and was looking forward to his progression this year
ā Sly 27 (@Sly_Donny) December 4, 2024
NOOOOO! BRING HIM BACK NEXT YEAR! I SWEAR TO GOD!
ā Danman (@Danman2681) December 4, 2024
Damn!
ā chef (@JackTinney2) December 4, 2024
Feel for him. His first legitimate crack at the NHL and he was more than serviceable. Loved watching you play Costco, come back healthy, hungry and better next year. Have a great recovery.
ā Al Pankoff (@Whahoppen) December 4, 2024
Noooo! Hope his healing journey goes well and we see more of him next year. What an absolute bummer.
ā Jacob Denhollander (@JJ_Denhollander) December 4, 2024
Heartbreaking news š¢
ā Brenda aka Beagle Momma (@beaglebailey97) December 4, 2024
Bruh noooooo pls extend my king in the off season šš pic.twitter.com/Ea8m2OcAK3
ā Stinky Man (@LilMoserGaming) December 4, 2024
Ohā¦noā¦.that is a BIG loss for the team especially when it comes to the shootouts.
ā Hal Roberts šØš¦ š (@Hal__Roberts) December 4, 2024
Not Costco! Flames fans love you Justin you will be back!
ā Daniel C Berg CW (@fortnitall) December 4, 2024
I AM IN SHAMBLES ššš
NOT OUR COSTCOā Hunter – Rest In Power Johnny Hockey (@RebelliousW0LF) December 4, 2024
This now casts doubt over Kirkland’s future, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. An extension may not be out of the cards, however, as the Flames have made it an emphasis to keep their cap space lowered while in this retooling stage, and he would be a cheap option to bring back.
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