I have to admit, I feel kind of bad for the rough ride Kevin Rooney has had with the Calgary Flames over the past couple of seasons because a lot of it isn’t his fault.

On July 13, 2022, the Flames and their fanbase were dealt a blow when Johnny Gaudreau opted to go into free agency and signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Flames’ big free agent acquisition on that day was Rooney, a solid if unspectacular fourth line centre formerly of the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers.

Rooney’s first season, 2022-23, didn’t go smoothly, as he struggled to find a rhythm or chemistry with his linemates, won just 41.9% of his draws, and was dispatched to the American Hockey League by early December. He found his game in the AHL with the Wranglers, though, and formed a really reliable checking line alongside fellow veterans Brett Sutter and Clark Bishop.

He got off to a good start in 2023-24’s training camp, only to suffer a shoulder injury that required surgery due to an awkward tumble into the boards during a practice. He worked his way back into the NHL, though, and played 33 games on the Flames’ fourth line down the stretch, winning 46.6% of his draws and looking much more like the play the Flames hoped they were getting when they signed him in 2022. He showed enough that general manager Craig Conroy signed him to a one year contract extension on trade deadline day.

At 31 years of age, Rooney is what he is. At his best, he’s a reliable, consistent 200-foot presence. Last season, his possession numbers were a bit ugly, but that was partly a product of how he was used (no Flames forward had a high proportion of their shifts begin in the defensive zone), his face-off numbers being in the red, and the fourth line winger churn late in the season. (He played 50+ even strength minutes with Walker Duehr, A.J. Greer, Dryden Hunt, Matt Coronato and Jakob Pelletier.)

The fourth line centre gig is a tough one. You start most of your shifts in the defensive zone and you kill penalties. Your role is to make life challenging for your opposition, and then you get off the ice so that the scorers can score. It’s not a sexy gig, but on a team in transition it can be a really important one, as a strong fourth line centre can afford his younger teammates (on other lines) some offensive zone high ground by moving the puck up the ice.

If Rooney can be a reliable, effective 4C for the Flames this season, it’s going to benefit a lot of their younger players going forward.

Rooney’s single season high for games played in the NHL is 61 and for points is 14. If he plays more than 50 NHL games, wins over 50% of his face-offs and hits the teens in points, it has to be seen as a strong season for somebody with his role and playing history.

If Rooney sticks in the NHL all season, even if he doesn’t play every game, and he wins between 46 and 50% of his face-offs, that’s probably right where the Flames would hope he fits.

If Rooney slides back into the AHL ranks at any point this season, that should be seen as a disappointing outcome for a player with his capabilities.

Don’t let the hassles and risks of travel keep you from making connections that matter. From lost baggage and trip cancellation to medical emergencies, Alberta Blue Cross has you covered on every adventure. Best of all, Flight Delay Service is included. Travel worry-free with travel insurance from Alberta Blue Cross and get access to 24/7 assistance if you need it. If you’re traveling to the U.S. – you’ll get access to one of their largest healthcare networks which provides direct payment to hospitals. This means you won’t have to pay medical expenses out of pocket. Protect your next trip today at ab.bluecross.ca/travel.