Fansided

Flyers Put Kieffer Bellows On Waivers as Travis Konecny is Activated

By Scott Cole |
Nov 25, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Kieffer Bellows (20) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Kieffer Bellows (20) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

It would appear that Kiefer Bellows time on the Flyers is at an end. On Thursday, Bellows was put on waivers by the team. If he clears waivers, it is possible he could be assigned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. But for that to happen, another team would have to not claim him.

The Islanders waived him in October and Philly picked him up. It’s easy to see why the Flyers took a chance on him.  He’s 6’1″ and just shy of 200 lbs. In 2016. He was the 19th overall pick in the draft. (The Flyers would select German Rubtsov two picks later….so that didn’t work out for Philly either!) He was touted as a big time shooter who could make an impact. As a member of the U.S. National U18 team in the USDP, he scored 50 goals and 81 points in 62 games.

But as he transitioned to the college ranks and minor leagues, he seemed to have lost his scoring touch. Maybe he lost his confidence. Maybe the level of play was tougher than what he was used to. Over three years, the Islanders had hoped he would contribute with the big club, but it didn’t work out.  He tallied 11 goals and 14 assists in 68 games.

When the Flyers picked him off of waivers, it was hoped that a change of scenery would help. As more and more forwards were going down with injuries, the Flyers took a chance on the kid. After all, he is 24 years old and might find that scoring touch.

Nope. In 12 games, he didn’t notch a single point. Against Pittsburgh, he played 19 minutes. Nothing. With so many player hurt recently, this was a good chance to showcase his skills. He didn’t show that he belonged. It may be that some other team could get him on waivers. If so, maybe it’ll click there. If not, the Flyers could send him to the Phantoms or outright release him.

In his place on the roster, the Flyers have activated Travis Konecny from the Injured Reserve List. Konency has been cleared to play tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning. His return is a welcome one. He joins Scott Laughton as just coming back from injured list. With the two of them playing, it is possible that the Flyers might find their scoring touch again. This could be good news as the Flyers upcoming schedule gets a lot harder.

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