Life as a top prospect can be tough. For some, they're able to quickly make an impact at the NHL level. For others, it's not exactly a straight line to the NHL and once they get there, there's no guarantee that they'll be able to stay there.
For former 1st round pick Kieffer Bellows, who was drafted 19th overall in 2016, it's been an up-and-down pro career, with the majority of his time being spent in the American Hockey League. He had racked up 95 career NHL games stretched across 4 seasons before ultimately being sent down to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at the end of last season. After not securing an NHL contract as a free agent, Bellows signed a PTO with the AHL's Toronto Marlies.
During his 25-game PTO in Toronto, Bellows racked up a team-high 14 goals and 26 points. His PTO had expired after his 25th game was played this week. Now, the Leafs organization has rewarded his tremendous play with an AHL contract to remain with the club for the remainder of the season.
This is one of the best feel-good stories of the year. Bellows, a second generation NHLer, has earned every inch of this contract and the hope here is that he can eventually turn this opportunity into an NHL contract, preferably with the Leafs.
In his 95 career NHL games, Bellows has amassed 14 goals and 14 assists for a total of 28 points. His rate of production that he's currently enjoying with the Marlies is the best pace of his pro career. Hopefully he can remain consistent and continue to improve as the season wears on.
