Recent PTO may earn himself a contract in Toronto after strong start in the AHL

While things are not too exciting for the big club right now, the Toronto Marlies appear to have found themselves a gem in former 1st round draft pick Keiffer Bellows, who has had a strong start with the Marlies.

Bellows joined the Marlies on a PTO last week after being unable to secure an NHL or AHL contract over the offseason. He has made the most of his opportunity so far, suiting up in 3 games and producing 4 points (2G, 2A), including this slick 3rd period marker last night:

Bellows was originally drafted by the New York Islanders with the 19th overall pick in 2016. The former 1st rounder has amassed only 95 NHL games since then, producing just 28 points (14G, 14A).

Now 25 years of age, Bellows is not a rookie with a ton of potential anymore. He is, however, a nice little reclamation project for the Leafs. If they can provide him with the right attention and build upon the tools that he already has, he may yet develop into a capable NHLer.

Bellows finished strong in the American Hockey League last season, notching 10 points in 12 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to close out the season. It looks like he's picking up right where he left off last year. With 4 points in 3 games, you have to wonder how long it will be before the Leafs or Marlies offer him a 1-year deal to see if he can build off of his early success. If he can, the Buds may have found a diamond in the rough.