Though it was reported earlier this summer, the official announcement of Liam Kirk’s three-year entry-level contract had to wait until today. The Arizona Coyotes have signed the breakout World Championship star three years after drafting him 189th overall. GM Bill Armstrong released a short statement on his newest prospect:
We are very pleased to sign Liam to an entry-level contract. Liam played extremely well at the World Championships in Latvia and has earned this contract. He’s a goal scorer with a great work ethic and he is very focused on realizing his dream of one day playing in the NHL. We look forward to watching him continue to develop.
Kirk, 21, was the first player born and trained in England to be selected in the NHL draft. He played for Great Britain at the recent IIHF Worlds, scoring seven goals in seven games, tied for the tournament lead. He spent the 2020-21 season split between Sweden and England after playing two years for the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. He’ll now have to show what he can do at the AHL level.