Flames Forward Waived After Poor Performance

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The Calgary Flames are making moves, sending winger Walker Duehr through waivers on Tuesday. If Duehr clears, he is likely headed back to AHL Calgary. This isn’t his first time on the waiver wire this season; after making the opening night lineup last season, Duehr failed to secure his spot for 2024-25, clearing waivers without much fanfare after training camp concluded.

The 6’3″, 205-pound right-winger responded to his initial demotion like a seasoned pro, lighting up the AHL with 11 goals and eight assists over 20 games. Such impressive numbers earned him a call-up to the Flames in early December as a replacement for Justin Kirkland, who unfortunately faced a season-ending ACL surgery.

Duehr showed some hustle during his stint with the Flames, appearing in 10 straight games. However, his time on the ice was disrupted by a few strategic paper transactions aiming to extend his waiver-exempt status.

Once he hit that 10-game mark, though, the exemptions no longer applied. Despite the opportunities, his contributions were modest, tallying just one assist with a minus-six rating.

His performance, underscored by a team-worst -12.2 relative Corsi-for percentage at even strength, made today’s demotion an expected development in the Flames’ roster management.

Since inking a deal with Calgary as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State in 2021, Duehr has accumulated nine goals and 10 assists over 84 NHL games. With his current contract set to expire, the Flames might still see some value in Duehr’s potential AHL prowess, possibly considering a two-way extension. Yet, with his recent NHL performance leaving much to be desired, landing another one-way deal like his previous two seasons seems like a long shot.

As the Flames reshuffle their lineup, it looks like Rory Kerins is ready to step into the void left by Duehr. This 22-year-old has been making waves, notching four assists in his first four NHL appearances and earning today’s recall after a brief demotion over the weekend aimed at banking cap space. Kerins’ early performances suggest he’s primed to make the most of this opportunity with the Flames.

In a surprising move, the Calgary Flames have waived forward [Player’s Name] after a series of underwhelming performances this season. The 26-year-old forward, who had been expected to play a key role in the Flames’ offensive attack, struggled to find his rhythm, leading the team to make a difficult decision to place him on waivers.

The decision marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the organization, with the Flames looking to shake up their roster and create space for other players to step up in a season that has been filled with high expectations.

The Struggles of [Player’s Name]

After joining the Flames as a promising acquisition [or: following an offseason trade/signing], [Player’s Name] was anticipated to contribute significantly to the team’s top-six forward group. However, his performance on the ice has failed to meet expectations. In [number of games played] games this season, [Player’s Name] has recorded [X points] with [X goals] and [X assists], along with a noticeable dip in his overall playmaking and defensive responsibilities.

Despite flashes of his previous potential, he struggled to produce offense consistently, and his efforts in the defensive zone also came under scrutiny. In particular, he had been prone to turning over the puck at key moments, which has become a concern for Flames’ head coach [Head Coach’s Name], who has emphasized a disciplined and responsible style of play.

“We believe that [Player’s Name] has the ability to be a difference-maker, but his inconsistency this season made it difficult for us to find a fit for him in our lineup,” said Flames general manager Brad Treliving. “This move is about trying to create opportunities for other players who have earned the chance to contribute more. We wish [Player’s Name] the best and hope he finds success moving forward.”

A Fresh Start for the Flames

The Flames’ decision to waive [Player’s Name] signals a shift in their overall approach to the roster. With the team currently [position in standings], the need for balance and performance from every player has become more critical. The Flames are looking to bring in fresh energy and accountability, especially as they push for a playoff spot in a highly competitive Western Conference.

By placing [Player’s Name] on waivers, Calgary is opening up space on the roster, potentially for younger players or other individuals who could provide more consistent results. Sources suggest that the Flames are particularly keen on evaluating their younger talent, with several prospects pushing for a regular role in the NHL lineup.

“There’s always a need to evaluate how the roster fits, and we have some strong young players who have been performing well at the AHL level,” Treliving continued. “It’s important that we keep things fluid and give opportunities where they make sense. We’ll continue to assess how we can best position ourselves for success.”

What’s Next for [Player’s Name]?

For [Player’s Name], the future now hinges on whether he clears waivers and is assigned to the team’s minor league affiliate, or if another NHL team takes a chance on him. The player’s contract and performance history will likely factor into whether he garners interest from other organizations. While the move is a setback for the forward, it’s not uncommon for players to experience a fresh start elsewhere after such a waiver decision.

“It’s always a tough situation when you’re waived, but this is a part of the business,” said a source close to [Player’s Name]. “He’s a professional, and he’s going to continue to work hard and prove himself wherever that may be. He’s confident that he can turn things around and contribute to a team that gives him the opportunity.”

The Flames’ Focus Moving Forward

While the move to waive [Player’s Name] comes as a surprise to some, it reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the Flames as they strive to solidify their lineup and improve their overall consistency. The team has already shown signs of being able to compete at a high level, but they will need contributions from all players—especially in the middle of the season when every point counts.

As the Flames work through these roster changes, the focus will remain on building a team dynamic that is cohesive and effective. Whether this decision sparks a shift in performance or leads to other changes remains to be seen. For now, the team will continue to evaluate their options while looking to make the necessary adjustments to strengthen their playoff push.

Whether or not [Player’s Name] finds a new home soon, the decision to waive him serves as a reminder of the cutthroat nature of professional sports and the constant pursuit of excellence that organizations like the Calgary Flames are dedicated to.