Flyers claim Kieffer Bellows off waivers from Islanders

In the wake of more injury news, the Flyers have added another piece of depth to the team. They claimed Keiffer Bellows off waivers from the New York Islanders on Thursday afternoon.

Drafted in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft, Bellows was touted as a high-volume shooter. Heading into his draft year, Bellows posted big numbers for the U.S. National U18 team in the USDP. He had 50 goals, leading all players, and 81 points in 62 games. He played alongside the likes of Clayton Keller and Adam Fox while with the program.

After being drafted, he headed to Boston University where he wasn’t able to find much offense. He posted just seven goals and 14 points in 34 games. He opted for the WHL in 2016-17 with the Portland Winterhawks and once again shined offensively. He recorded 41 goals and 74 points in 56 games. Bellows also posted nine goals and 10 points for the U20 squad at World Juniors, helping the team capture a bronze medal.

Since turning professional, Bellows hasn’t been able to find the same scoring touch that he showed before and after being drafted. He’s spent time back and forth between the Islanders and their AHL affiliate. He was suspended in October of 2020 for violating the the league’s performance enhancing substances rules.

He earned a role last season, though a lot of that had to do with COVID cases in the Islander locker room. He played in a career high 45 games and posting six goals and 19 points, both highs for him as well. Signing a one-year, 1.2M contract this summer, Bellows appeared in just one game for the Islanders before the team was forced to waive him due to roster issues.

With the injury to James van Riemsdyk and the unknown statuses of Sean Couturier and Cam Atkinson, the Flyers were willing to take a chance on Bellows. It’s a low risk/high reward type of move to see if he’s able to find the scoring touch he was touted for previously. He could be in the lineup when the Flyers welcome in the Hurricanes on Saturday.