Former First-Round Pick Leaves the NHL to Sign Overseas
Photo credit: The Tennessean
Kieffer Bellows, a former 1st round pick of the New York Islanders in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, is going overseas by signing a contract with Brynas IF in the SHL.
Kieffer Bellows, who is the son of former NHL forward Brian Bellows, figured to have a long career ahead of him after he was taken 19th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
He's now going overseas, signing a contract with Brynas IF in the SHL.
The younger Bellows never truly panned out in the NHL like his father did. He mostly split his time between the Islanders and their AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
In 2022, he was placed on waivers by the Islanders and claimed by the Philadelphia Flyers, where he would play in 27 games while also playing for their AHL affiliate Leigh Valley Phantoms.
After failing to earn a roster spot on a Professional Tryout (PTO) with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023, he did earn a spot with the AHL's Toronto Marlies weeks later.
A year later, he signed with the Nashville Predators, and once again, split his time between the NHL and AHL.
He has 32 points (16G, 16A) in 114 total games with the Islanders, Flyers and Predators.
He also didn't help himself by getting suspended by the AHL in 2020 for a violation of their performance enhancing substance rules.
For those who may be unfamiliar with his overall game, Bellows' scouting report via Elite Prospects reads as follows:
Kieffer Bellows is a skilled power forward who can dominate games. Possesses high end puckhandling ability as well as a crisp, accurate release on his shot. Proficient forechecker and loves to win puck battles, which stands out as a consistent part of his game. Strong skater who can bull through the opposition or go around them. Drives the net hard and is a decisive finisher. All-in-all, a competitor who punishes the opposition physically, as well as on the scoreboard.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 13 | 520 ANSWERS Former First-Round Pick Leaves the NHL to Sign Overseas Can Kieffer Bellows ever earn another NHL roster spot? | ||
| Yes | 125 | 24 % |
| No | 395 | 76 % |
| List of polls | ||
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