The Marlies made a move to bring in some offensive reinforcement as Kieffer Bellows has been signed to a PTO.
Originally taken 19th overall by the Islanders in the 2016 NHL Draft, the American winger is looking to secure a permanent contract for the season after being unable to do so with the Hurricanes during the preseason.
He began last season on Long Island but was then claimed off waivers by Philadelphia on October 22, 2022, where he spent most of the campaign split between the NHL and AHL. Bellows appeared in 27 games with the Flyers where he recorded three goals while he recorded 10 points (three goals and seven assists) in 12 games played for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
After not being tendered a QFA by the Flyers, he hit the market as a UFA where it took him until September 11th to get a PTO from Carolina. He would go on to appear in four preseason games with the Hurricanes where he recorded a goal before getting released on October 6th.
The son of former NHLer Brian Bellows, Kieffer plays a power game and has a great shot that can fool a goalie no matter where it’s from. There is also some familiarity with Marlies coach John Gruden and GM Ryan Hardy, so they are giving Bellows a chance to prove himself in a different environment and hope Toronto is where he springs new life into his career.
He may be best remembered for his performance in the 2018 World Juniors where he led the tournament with nine goals in seven games played en route to a bronze medal finish. His 10 points had him tied with Jordan Kyrou for third in the tournament in scoring and shy of matching Martin Necas and fellow countrymen Casey Mittelstadt.
Bellows has recorded 14 goals, 14 assists, and 28 points in 95 career NHL games played.
Stats from Hockey-Reference.com.
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