Next steps for Arizona Coyotes seventh-round NHL Draft pick Liam Kirk

Liam Kirk made history to become the first player developed in Great Britain to be selected by the Arizona Coyotes at the 189th pick. History aside, however, Kirk’s next steps are going to be very critical.

Not much buzz comes from the seventh round of the NHL Draft. Usually fans don’t hear much about it until a player selected from there breaks out in the years ahead.

That isn’t the case for Liam Kirk, in a way. The first prospect developed from England to be taken in the NHL Draft is quite a feat for the 18-year-old. The winger’s rather obvious excitement showed in an interview noted by the BBC:

"“I don’t have any words for it. I’m just very excited and really emotional,”“It sounds like camp will start next week so I’ll be getting there as soon as possible. It’ll be my first time on the ice in a while when I get there.“My mum and dad got tears in their eyes and I owe a lot to them for driving me back and forth to hockey games and training sessions.”"

It was a very thrilling moment for what could be a very solid addition to Arizona in the future. Kirk brought hockey attention to a country where the game is overlooked. At the same time, the prospect amassed 29 goals and 32 assists with the Sheffield Steelers and Steeldogs over the course of two seasons.

Kirk may have a very good chance to turn some eyebrows, too. The Yotes’ only selected one other winger in Jan Jenik in this year’s draft. On the same note, Arizona could be doing a lot of clearing at the wing position with several expiring contracts.

https://twitter.com/kirky_1424/status/1010648348548837376

It could be a great few years of development for Kirk if he plays his cards right. Now is the time to push all of the history and joy aside in order to put complete focus on what’s next for Kirk’s career.

First comes his home option. Going back to England, however, doesn’t look to be a great option for Kirk right now. The level of competition can’t help him progress that much at both the domestic and international level. Plus, the difference between North American and European ice can be a big factor for some.

It’s the difference between the junior and pro level that Kirk can really take advantage of. Rumors came from the BBC that the left winger could move to the United States to play in the ECHL, which isn’t the worst option.

However, the goal of most ECHL clubs isn’t necessarily to develop prospects. Making money is the desired outcome within a league filled with mainly free agents. Former goalkeeper Mike McKenna noted this in a 2010 article showcased in In Goal Magazine:

"However, the goal for ECHL franchises (almost all are privately owned) is to win hockey games and make money, and as such, putting the best team possible on the ice is in their best interest."

McKenna also goes on to give his take on the skill level of the league when saying:

"What they can’t necessarily do is think the game on the same level as those in higher leagues. Therein lays the biggest difference: the speed of the game isn’t that different, but the intelligence and skill of the game is. While the puck may not physically move any faster, the rate at which plays are made and the creativity associated with them improves at every level."

Prospects are accustomed to difficult situations while going through development, but Kirk would be taking on a huge challenge in the ECHL. A league with completely different interests than what Kirk likely has, combined with the rumored low-income per week might not be enough to comfortably develop him.

What seems like the best option for Kirk right now is to follow what his former Steeler teammate Ben O’Connor did; that is, sign for a club in a professional league in countries such as Finland or Sweden.

Amazing talent has been pumping out of these growing leagues over the past few years. The Hockey Writers say the following regarding what Finland’s Liiga has done for the NHL:

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"The SM-liiga also contributes a considerable amount of talent to the NHL and some of Finland’s most highly touted prospects such as Mikael Granlund and Teemu Pulkkinen, are set to make their mark in the NHL one of these days. Talented NHLers such as Aleksander Barkov, Sami Vatanen and Rasmus Ristolainen are all products of the SM-liiga and the future of the league is as bright as ever as long as it keeps producing such amazing talent."

Kirk could also grasp a decent professional contract in pro leagues such as the Liiga. Development while earning a salary sounds perfect. Plus, Kirk wouldn’t be too far from home.

It’s a major step up from what Great Britain has to offer at the moment. It’s also a major decision for Kirk to make very soon. His next step will be heading to the Yotes’ development camp, but after that, it’s all up to the lad to figure out what will spark the journey to make his history that much more exciting.

Next: Islanders’ Oliver Wahlstrom says Rangers ‘made a mistake’ passing on him

What do you think Kirk’s next developmental steps should be? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Next steps for Coyotes seventh-round NHL Draft selection Liam Kirk

By Nick McAdam | Jun 28, 2018

Liam Kirk made history to become the first player developed in Great Britain to be selected by the Arizona Coyotes at the 189th pick. History aside, however, Kirk’s next steps are going to be very critical.

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