ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have added a depth forward, signing Justin Kirkland to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000 at the NHL level.

The deal will pay him $500,000 in the American Hockey League and includes a $550,000 guaranteed salary. 

The 29-year-old appeared in 41 NHL games with the Calgary Flames over the last two seasons, recording three goals and seven assists for ten points.

Kirkland spent time with the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL last season as well, posting 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 42 games after returning from injury. 

Originally selected by Nashville in the third round (62nd overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-3, 201-pound forward has battled through multiple setbacks during his professional career, including a serious car accident in 2023 and a season-ending knee injury in 2024 before making his return.

Kirkland gives the Wild another experienced depth option who can play both center and wing while providing organizational depth between Minnesota and Iowa heading into the 2026-27 season.

He is also very good in the shootout at 50%.

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