Philadelphia Flyers Won't Qualify Former Top Prospect; Set For Free Agency

Kieffer Bellows, a former top prospect of the New York Islanders, faced a tough season during his stint with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Despite his initial enthusiasm and a prove-it deal, Bellows was given only seven minutes of ice time in the opening game and subsequently found himself benched for the remainder of the season.

#Flyers did not offer a qualifying offer to Kieffer Bellows, Wyatte Wylie and Evan Barratt, making them UFAs on July 1.

They’ve also tolled the contract of G Ivan Fedotov.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 14, 2023

Eventually placed on waivers, he was picked up by the Flyers, hoping for a fresh start. However, his time in Philadelphia proved challenging, as he struggled to secure regular playing time and managed to score just three goals in 27 games.

The Flyers have now opted not to qualify Bellows, making him a UFA.

As the season concludes, Bellows will enter the upcoming summer as an unrestricted free agent, searching for a new opportunity to reignite his career.

The 25-year-old is a former first-round pick (19th overall) by the Islanders in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

Over his four-year career, Bellows has recorded 14 goals and 28 points across 95 games played. Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports