Bellows Looking to Make 'Big Impact'

Kieffer Bellows has paid his dues over the past four seasons.
The 2016 first-round pick (19th overall) spent the better part of two years in Bridgeport before making his NHL debut in 2020. Bellows was limited to 14 games during the shortened 2020-21 season, but stayed with the club for the entire year, working to improve his game.

Last season he got his biggest NHL opportunity, appearing in 45 games with the Islanders, setting career-highs in goals (6), assists (13) and points (19).
After agreeing to a one-year deal on Monday
, Bellows is looking to keep building and take the next step this season.
"I view myself as being a regular in a lineup. I want to be making a big impact from day one," Bellows said. "I plan to be good defensively, but also be a great offensive player, use my shot and, you know, score some goals for this team. I expect myself to have a good year and you know, last year, when I was in the lineup on a regular basis, you saw the offensive player and you saw my good defensive reliability. I'm expecting to bring that again this year."

Bellows ended the season on a high note, racking up six points (2G, 4A) in the final nine games of the year. He
scored an invite to Team USA
for the IIHF World Championships and racked up five points (3G, 2A) in 10 games on the international stage.
"The end of last season I felt like I hit a good stride," Bellows said. "When I was playing those consistent games, I really felt more comfortable every single night and was building chemistry with guys."
That was a springboard for the 24-year-old heading into the offseason. Bellows said he worked with a skating coach as part of his training.
"It's been a lot of work this summer and I'm really focused on having a big year coming up," he said. "I'm excited to start the season."

The Islanders are returning the same forward group from last season, so there are 14 players - not including prospects like Aatu Raty, Simon Holmstrom or William Dufour - that will be challenging for 12 spots on opening night. Bellows will have to continue to earn a regular spot in the lineup, but is up for the challenge and ultimately looking for a bigger role.
"I want to make a big impact," Bellows said. "I want to be out there in those big-time situations, the power plays the six-on-fives. I want to help this team score goals and win games, that's most important to me is winning games and getting this team back to the playoffs."