A successful PTO stint has earned Kieffer Bellows a well-deserved contract for the rest of the season.
Bellows had recently completed his 25-game PTO stint and the organization has the choice to give him another PTO or sign him to a permanent contract with either the Leafs or Marlies. They decided to give him an AHL contract that will carry through to the end of the 2023-24 campaign though the door remains open for an NHL contract if Brad Treliving likes what he sees as the weeks progress.
He finishes his PTO on a strong footing, recording 26 points (14 goals and 12 assists) and has him second in team scoring behind only Alex Steeves, who was recently named to the AHL All-Star Game.
When Bellows initially signed the PTO back in late October, his NHL career was at a crossroads. The former first-round pick was not tendered a QFA from the Flyers and could not sign with any team until the Hurricanes gave him a PTO just before the start of training camp. Bellows could not turn that into a one-year deal and was in real danger of his NHL dreams being over before his 26th birthday before the Marlies gave him a chance.
Suffice it to say that Bellows has revitalized his career with this impressive showing that has turned him from an afterthought to a legit depth option the Leafs could use down the line. He would have to get an NHL deal first and pass through waivers before getting the green light to join the top team so the chances of him being in the Leafs lineup this year aren’t high. Even if that doesn’t happen this season, he could find himself signing an NHL contract by the summer if he can keep up his strong play.
The Marlies currently sit six points outside of a playoff spot with a record of 14-12-5-1. They are set to begin a nine-game road trip as they take on the Belleville Senators at 2 p.m. this afternoon.
Stats from Hockey-Reference.com.
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