The Toronto Maple Leafs Make A Massive Move Signing Former 1st Round Pick

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Hunter Bowman
November 16, 2023 (3:15 PM)

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The AHL's Toronto Marlies quietly made a significant move a couple of weeks ago, signing former New York Islanders 2016 1st-round pick (19th overall) Kieffer Bellows to a professional tryout (PTO) contract.

Since inking the deal on October 30th, the 25-year-old forward has proven to be a valuable addition, amassing four goals and seven points in just five games. TSN Toronto Maple Leafs insider Mark Masters suggests that Bellows' impressive performance might pave the way for an NHL contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In an interview with Masters, Bellows emphasizes that nothing was guaranteed, and he's determined to earn his place in the NHL.

"They just wanted me to come in on a tryout and just show what I can do, and that's what I want to do. I want to show I can earn an NHL contract," explains Bellows. "That's my goal. While doing that, obviously that's a personal goal, I also want to help this team win games and put in a good run, however long it takes, however long I'm here, whatever the situation is - I want to help this team go on a winning streak to help them benefit in the longer run as well."

Bellows, a second-generation NHLer, has experienced a career bouncing between the NHL and the AHL, previously playing in the Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers organizations. His standout season was in 2021-22, recording six goals and 19 points in 45 games with the Islanders.

Currently scoring at over a point per game, there's growing confidence that Bellows may secure an NHL contract. His style, that of a power forward unafraid to engage in the gritty areas, brings a dimension the Leafs have been lacking.

"I think, just from my game, I'm a power forward, and I just love to shoot the puck and I love to get to the dirty areas, in front of the net, the corners, and I know I can score goals and make plays... I'm not afraid to get in battles, get in front of the net, play a little chippy here and there. That's just always been a part of my game growing up."

Source: Hockeyfeed