[Signing] Flames sign RFAs Kerins, Kuznetsov, and Poirier

[sureLoss]

https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/flam...irier-15-07-25

The Calgary Flames announce today that they have re-signed centre Rory Kerins as well as defencemen Yan Kuznetsov and Jeremie Poirier.

Rory Kerins was drafted by Calgary in the sixth round (174th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. The 23-year-old centre led the Calgary Wranglers (AHL) in scoring last season with 33 goals and 28 assists for 61 points. He was called up to the Calgary Flames making his NHL debut on January 13, 2025, and registered a pair of assists. He played five games during his call-up collecting four assists with the Flames.

Kerins has played 127 career AHL games between the Stockton Heat and Calgary Wranglers netting 50 goals along with 45 assists for 95 points. Rory made his professional hockey debut in 2020-21 joining the Stockton Heat at the conclusion of a 118-point campaign with the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League.

Term: One-year, two-way
AAV: $775,000

Born: Caledon, ON Date: April 12, 2002
Height: 5’11” Weight: 190 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Drafted: CGY – 6th round (174th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft

Yan Kuznetsov, a native of Murmansk, RUS played 72 games for the Calgary Wranglers in 2024-25, posting a career-best 21 points from six goals and 15 assists while recording a team-best +21 this past season. Kuznetsov made his NHL debut during the 2023-24 season on January 9th against the Ottawa Senators.

Prior to beginning his professional career, Kuznetsov helped the Saint John Sea Dogs win the 2022 Memorial Cup in his lone QMJHL campaign. He was the Flames second-round pick (50th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft.

TERM: Two-year, two-way (year one is a two-way, year two becomes a one-way)
AAV: $812,500

Born: Murmansk, RUS Date: March 9, 2002
Height: 6’5” Weight: 220 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Drafted: CGY – 2nd round (50th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft

Jeremie Poirier, a native of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec was selected by Calgary in the third round (72nd overall) in the 2020 NHL draft. The 23-year-old suited up for 71 games for the Calgary Wranglers (AHL) last season, scoring five goals and adding 37 assists to help him record a career-best 42 points.

Poirier played junior hockey with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL where he and Wranglers teammate Yan Kuznetsov captured the 2022 Memorial Cup. Prior to that, he led the QMJHL in goals among defenceman in 2019-20 with 20, then finish second on Saint John in scoring in 2020-21 with 37 points in 33 games.

Term: One-year, two-way
AAV: $775,000

Born: Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC Date: June 2, 2002
Height: 6’1” Weight: 190 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Drafted: CGY – 3rd round (72nd overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft

[TheScorpion]

Kuznetsov gets a 1-way deal in 26-27, interesting

[Goriders]

All 3 good players.

Looks like they think Kuznetsov is ready to make the jump. I think he’s really good. I’d say he and Solovyov are both ready.

[FlamesAddiction]

I wouldn't be surprised if Kuznetsov had KHL offers and the Flames sweetened the pot for him to stay.

[Canada 02]

will Kerins and Poirier be Group 6 UFAs next summer if they don't play 80 NHL games?

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

will Kerins and Poirier be Group 6 UFAs next summer if they don't play 80 NHL games?

No, they'll be RFAs again

[Calgary Highlander]

The extra year with a 1-way might make it easier to slip Kuznetsov through waivers to start the year.

Solovyov has a 1-way this season so he's making NHL salary either way.

[Goriders]

So is Zary the only RFA left to sign?

[gvitaly]

A good piece of business. Zary is the only RFA still remaining.

Hopefully 2 of them stick with the big club past training camp.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

will Kerins and Poirier be Group 6 UFAs next summer if they don't play 80 NHL games?

They have to be 25 on Jun 30th for the 80 game rule to apply. Since they're both still 24 at that point they will be RFAs.

In contrast Solovyov needs to play 65 NHL games this season or he will become a group 6 UFA.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Poirier really needs to show something soon. He is going to get passed by several others very soon.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Poirier really needs to show something soon. He is going to get passed by several others very soon.

I still don't understand why they were playing him on his off side last year and had him playing RD as a LH shot at times.

He really seemed to struggle with that adjustment, even in training camp when it first came up.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Kerins will break through.

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by gvitaly

They have to be 25 on Jun 30th for the 80 game rule to apply. Since they're both still 24 at that point they will be RFAs.

In contrast Solovyov needs to play 65 NHL games this season or he will become a group 6 UFA.

thanks for clarifying. i didn't know what was the age limit.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

Kerins will break through.

I hope he’s been working on his skating with Danielle Fujita.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Kuznetsov is the best of the three.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

Kerins should be in the NHL.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

thanks for clarifying. i didn't know what was the age limit.

Glad I could help. puckpedia has this group 6 UFA tracker, just to keep things simple.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by BACKCHECK!!!

Kerins should be in the NHL.

.80 PPG wasn't good enough for Huska apparently.

[DoubleK]

Term too short, AAV too high.