New Flyers GM Starts Career off with a Bang by Releasing Former First Rounder

Newly minted Flyers GM has opted not to extend qualifying offers to three of his players.

Kieffer Bellows, Wyatte Wylie and Evan Barratt will all become free agents, and can sign with any team.

Wylie and Barratt were both career minor leaguers, but Bellows was once expected to be a star.

What Happened to Kieffer Bellows?

Kieffer Bellows was once the 19th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders. Bellows was picked over future stars like Alex DeBrincat, Tage Thompson and Jordan Kyrou.

Bellows never got going on Long Island, only posting 11 goals in 68 games with the Islanders spread over four different seasons.

Bellows was eventually waived by New York and was claimed by Philadelphia in October of 2022.

He didn't fare much better there and only posted three goals in 27 NHL games.

Fathers Legacy

Kieffer Bellow's Father is Bryan Bellows, a veteran of 17 NHL season with a whopping 1,188 games, 485 goals, 537 assists for 1,022 points playing for the Minnesota North Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Washington Capitals.

Bryan won the Stanley Cup with the 1993 Montreal Canadiens.

Barring a major surprise it seems that Kieffer will not be able to get close to his fathers outstanding NHL career.