Kieffer Bellows has been enjoying his moments playing hockey for the last few seasons. He was just with the Toronto Marlies before signing in Nashville over the offseason.
Bellows has been part of four different organizations in the last three seasons. His career began by being drafted 19th overall back in 2016 by the New York Islanders. General manager Barry Trotz was behind the bench with the Islanders as Bellows’ career got started.
“It’s been a journey but I’ve loved every part of it. It’s funny, you go through tough times but it makes you appreciate the good times as well,” Bellows said. “There’s many people that have helped me get back to the player that I know I am.”
Marlies general manager Ryan Hardy was one of those people, including his head coach last season John Gruden. Bellows’ family and the Milwaukee Admirals have been along the ride as well as he continues to write a new chapter in his career.
“Enjoy the moments, you never know how long you have playing hockey. That’s the big thing I’ve learned,” Bellows said.
Brian Bellows is Kieffer’s father who played 17 seasons in the NHL split between five teams. Both were first-round draft choices, not a common combination that occurs with skaters in the NHL.
Kieffer has taken advantage of having his father in his corner from day one.
“I look at both of my parents as my biggest supporters. I have two sisters who support me just as much. My family has backed me the whole way,” Bellows said. “My dad having the career he had is always great with tips here and there for me to develop my game from a young age to now.”
Now that Bellows is with the Predators organization, his connection with Trotz helped him sign a deal with Nashville. The clean slate this season is allowing him to showcase that he could make it back to the NHL after initially giving Toronto a look the season prior.
A major component of Bellows joining Nashville was knowing how much Trotz cares for his players and establishes a respected culture. It’s something he sees in Nashville now.
“He knows that the game is such a huge important part of life that all of these guys love in here,” Bellows said. “Outside of the rink guys have families, guys have kids, and Barry does a good job of helping guys balance that. I think he brings a good culture to any organization that he’s part of. I noticed it in Long Island, he does a good job of creating a culture and creating a professional lifestyle around the team he has.”
With forward Luke Evangelista out for at least the next few weeks Bellows’ name may be called upon since he was recalled from the Milwaukee Admirals a few days ago. He last skated in the NHL on April 9, 2023, as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers organization.
Over 95 career NHL games he has 28 points and down in the AHL this season he has 22 points in 31 games. Bellows is hoping to get an opportunity to play and flash his shot yet again which he knows is a strength of his.
“My game has grown a lot. I think one of the big things is I love to shoot and score goals,” Bellows said. “Just having that shoot first mindset and be hard working in the corners stealing pucks and getting them back. I’ve implemented playmaking into my game a lot more. I want to go out and be a hard-working guy that’s going to be on pucks all day.”
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Top photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Admirals
Comments