Kirkland was recalled from AHL Iowa on Tuesday.
Kirkland's call up from Iowa was done in a corresponding move to Nico Sturm (upper body) being placed on injured reserve. The 30-year-old Kirkland was off to a solid start in the AHL prior to his call up, posting two assists and six shots on net across four appearances. He'll likely suit up as Minnesota's fourth-line left winger in Tuesday's clash against the Jets.