Exciting News; Just now Predators Look To Recharge Offence With A Superstar Of 74 points, (41 goals and 33 assists) in 56 games
Predators Recall Bellows to Bolster Forward Ranks Amidst Injuries
Facing a critical shortage of forwards due to injuries, the Nashville Predators have recalled Kieffer Bellows from the AHL. This move comes after Bellows enjoyed a successful season with the Predators’ AHL affiliate, where he recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in 31 games.
Bellows last saw NHL action during the 2022-23 season, splitting time between the Islanders and Flyers. He contributed three goals in 28 games. This recall provides Bellows with a chance to return to the NHL and potentially contribute to the Predators’ success as they navigate a challenging period with key players sidelined.
With Luke Evangelista expected to be out for the next four weeks due to a lower-body injury, Bellows is likely to be inserted into the Predators’ lineup immediately. This recall highlights the importance of a strong AHL system, as it allows teams to quickly replenish their roster with talented players when injuries arise.
Bellows was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers from the New York Islanders on October 27, 2022. Before this, he signed a one-year deal with the Islanders as a restricted free agent on August 22, 2022.
Drafted 19th overall by the Islanders in the 2016 NHL Draft, Bellows is the son of former NHL forward Brian Bellows. He made an impressive NHL debut on February 4, 2020, assisting on Derick Brassard’s goal during a 4-3 overtime victory against the Dallas Stars. Just two days later, Bellows scored his first two NHL goals in a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings.
The following season, Bellows achieved a unique milestone by becoming the first player in Islanders history to score his first four NHL goals across two multigoal games. This feat made him the first NHL player to accomplish such a record since David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins did so in 2015.
Before his NHL career, Bellows made a name for himself in junior and college hockey. He played for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League (USHL) during the 2014-15 season, where he led the team with 33 goals and was named USHL Rookie of the Year. He then played one season at Boston University in 2016-17 before joining the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
During his time with Portland in the 2017-18 season, Bellows recorded 74 points (41 goals, 33 assists) in 56 games. His international career was equally noteworthy. As an alternate captain for Team USA in the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, Bellows scored nine goals, setting a tournament record and helping his team secure a bronze medal.
From his impressive junior and international accomplishments to his contributions in the NHL, Bellows has continued to build on the legacy of his father while carving out his own path in professional hockey.