Arizona Coyotes Sign 2021 World Championship Star

The Arizona Coyotes have announced they have signed Liam Kirk to a three-year entry-level contract. While the Coyotes gave other teams permission to talk to Kirk, they decided they wanted to keep him after drafting him in 2018.

Kirk burst onto the scene at the World Championships in Latvia as he scored seven times in seven games to tie for the goal-scoring lead of the tournament. When the 'Yotes picked him in 2018, Kirk became the first British-trained player to be drafted to an NHL team.

Kirk's gone from training across the pond to playing two seasons with the OHL's Peterborough Petes. It worked out OK for Kirk once the OHL cancelled the 2021 season as he returned to Europe and played professionally in Sweden, recording 10 points in 12 games. He then went on back to England and scored 20 points in 14 games. 

The Coyotes are expected to give the World Championship star a long look at training camp and could use him in a depth role as early as next season.

Photo credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports