As the NHL season draws near, the New York Islanders will look to go all the way after back-to-back NHL semifinal losses. One pressing question that remains for the Islanders is if Kieffer Bellows can crack the starting lineup?

Last season, Bellows played in 14 games and only registered three goals in that span. In his 22 career games with the Islanders, Bellows has only recorded six points. His development is at a crucial point where unless he displays signs of improvement and growth, he could be dealt for another piece that could help the Islanders compete for a Stanley Cup.

Kieffer Bellows and the Penguins

Bellows made headlines last season when head coach Barry Trotz called out his play in a 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Bellows was -2 in the game, and Trotz bluntly discussed his frustration. Trotz asserted that other rookies had gone into the lineup and did a good job, while Bellows did not. Trotz firmly stated that Bellows missed his opportunity.

Bellows did not go return to the lineup until March 13. His absence in the lineup would have continued if not for Islanders’ captain Anders Lee getting injured.

The Return

He scored two goals in his triumphant return, and then a night later, Bellows scored again.

Despite Bellows’ breakout, the rookie never secured a regular position in the starting lineup later on in the season and did not play in the playoffs. Once the Islanders traded for depth forwards Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac, the rookie’s chances of becoming a regular in the starting lineup were slim to none.

Kieffer Bellows and the 2021-22 Season

So, where does all of this leave Bellows right now?

Currently, the Islanders have brought back forward Palmieri on a four-year, $20 million contract. Anthony Beauvillier is also returning.

Zach Parise and Travis Zajac are reportedly going to be on the team as well. With the Islanders losing to the Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning in consecutive seasons and being the only team in the NHL to push them to seven games this past year, the Islanders rightfully view themselves as a contender and are going all in.

As a result, this most likely leaves Bellows on the sidelines for now. But he could get a shot this season.

However, unless he plays well beyond expectations or there is an injury in the lineup, he will not be able to make an impact come the postseason. For now, Bellows’ future with the Islanders is a long-term investment, with veterans being a priority in the lineup.

Ethan Halle

Ethan is an Economics Major at the University of Florida looking to pursue a double major in Sports Management with a minor in political science.