Former 1st-Rounder Signs With Maple Leafs Organization

He was a first-round pick by the New York Islanders in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft (19th overall), but after some less-than-inspiring years with the Isles and a 27-game stint with the Philadelphia Flyers last season, forward Kieffer Bellows will now try his hand with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL.

News: We've signed F Kieffer Bellows to a PTO. #MarliesLive pic.twitter.com/5Nm6mZaww7

— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) October 30, 2023

Bellows has signed a professional tryout deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs' AHL farm club, after an unsuccessful PTO with the Carolina Hurricanes during training camp. 

The left winger has a total of 14 goals and 28 points in 95 NHL games, but has been too inconsistent to land a permanent role. He had a bit more success in the AHL over the years, notching 22 goals with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in 2019-20, and 10 points in 12 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last season. 

He was a 40-goal scorer in his final junior year with the Portland Winter Hawks, but was never able to translate that success to the pros. 

The 25-year-old will now try to wedge his way into a regular role and a contract with the Marlies. 

Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports