Kirk's NHL entry level contract confirmed

Photo: Arizona Coyotes

British forward Liam Kirk has signed an NHL Entry-Level Contract with the Arizona Coyotes!

The news was broken a couple of months ago by Kirk's agent, but with the start of NHL Free Agency on Wednesday evening, the Coyotes were proud to show off their latest recruit.

"I want to thank everyone who has played a part in helping me to achieve this goal," wrote Kirk on Instagram. "I especially want to thank my mum and dad for everything they have done to allow me to play the sport I love. JK, for being an amazing brother and role model. Alisha, for all the love and support you have given me on my journey."

"The kid's got a tremendous amount of passion. He yearns to be over here training and being in an NHL environment", added Coyotes General Manager Bill Armstrong. "He fought for that contract. We weren't giving it to him easily. He earned every single dime of it."

Kirk, 21, from Maltby was chosen by the Coyotes #189 overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. In his first full season at EIHL level, he scored nine goals and assisted on seven others in 52 games. Following his draft selection, the GB International forward spent two seasons in the OHL, and then returned to the Steelers for the 2021 Elite Series - going 10+10 in 14 matches.

He was the leading goal scorer at the 2021 IIHF World Championships with seven, and was named to the tournament's overall All-Star team.