Flames Veteran Forward Out Indefinitely After Going Under The Knife

After sliding awkwardly into the boards during practice this past weekend, Calgary Flames fourth-line center Kevin Rooney has now had to undergo shoulder surgery, which will keep him out indefinitely. Whatever the timeline, it won't be a short one, as confirmed by head coach Ryan Huska.

Asked about the injury to centre Kevin Rooney, #Flames head coach Ryan Huska says it will not be short-term.
— Wes Gilbertson (@WesGilbertson) October 4, 2023

This is not the way Rooney was hoping for his season to start, after coming off an extremely disappointing year in which he only managed to get into 17 games with the Flames, while spending most of the rest of his season in the AHL. The Flames were banking on him starting this season as their 4th-line center.

The 30-year-old spent two seasons prior to last year with the New York Rangers, where he was a decent contributor on the fourth line, earning him a 2-year, $2.6M free agent deal with Calgary. Now entering the second campaign of that contract, it appears that the Flames won't be getting much return at all on their investment.

Rooney went undrafted after a collegiate career with Providence while helping the Friars win the 2015 NCAA championship. He began his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils from 2016 through 2020.

Sounds like he'll be starting this season on injured reserve or even LTIR.

Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports