Kieffer Bellows Bio
Kieffer Bellows is an American professional ice hockey forward born on June 10, 1998. He currently plays for Brynäs IF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Bellows was drafted 19th overall in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders. He is the son of former NHL player Brian Bellows.
Early Life and Background
Kieffer Bellows was born in Edina, Minnesota, USA. He grew up playing hockey in Edina, where he won the Minnesota Class 2A State Championship as a sophomore at Edina High School in 2014. His father, Brian Bellows, is a former NHL player, which provided Kieffer with a strong hockey lineage and early exposure to the sport.
Before entering the NHL, Bellows played for the Sioux Falls Stampede and the U.S. National Development Team in the United States Hockey League (USHL). In his rookie season with the Stampede, he ranked fifth in the USHL with 33 goals and earned the USHL Rookie of the Year award. He then played collegiate hockey at Boston University before turning professional.
Path to Hockey
Bellows was drafted by the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. After signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Islanders in September 2017, he chose to forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility and joined the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL), who had drafted him in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. This move marked his transition from collegiate to major junior hockey, preparing him for the professional ranks.
His early career included development in both the USHL and WHL, where he honed his skills and gained experience against top-level junior competition. These formative years set the foundation for his entry into the NHL and professional hockey.
Kieffer Bellows Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Bellows began his professional career in 2018 after signing with the New York Islanders. He made his NHL debut on February 4, 2020, in a 4–3 overtime win against the Dallas Stars, recording his first NHL point with an assist. Two days later, he scored his first two NHL goals in a 5–3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
During this period, Bellows split time between the Islanders and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, gaining valuable experience and adjusting to the pace of professional hockey. His early performances showed promise as he adapted to the NHL level.
New York Islanders Breakthrough (2020–2022)
In the 2020–21 season, Bellows became the first player in Islanders history to score his first four NHL goals in two separate two-goal games. Despite a setback in October 2020 when he violated the AHL’s performance-enhancing substances rules, he continued to develop his game and contributed to the Islanders’ lineup.
He signed one-year contracts with the Islanders in both September 2021 and August 2022. Bellows started the 2022–23 season with the Islanders but was placed on waivers after six games. His tenure with the Islanders ended as he sought new opportunities to establish himself in the NHL.
Philadelphia Flyers and Subsequent Moves (2022–2024)
Claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers in October 2022, Bellows struggled to secure a consistent role, recording three goals in 27 games and spending time with the Flyers’ AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. After the 2022–23 season, he was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Flyers and became a free agent.
In September 2023, Bellows joined the Carolina Hurricanes on a professional tryout but was released shortly after. He then signed a professional tryout contract with the Toronto Marlies in October 2023 and later secured an AHL contract for the remainder of the 2023–24 season. Bellows posted his most productive professional season with 27 goals and 49 points in 52 games.
Nashville Predators Era (2024–Present)
In July 2024, Bellows signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Nashville Predators. During the 2024–25 season, he impressed with the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL and was recalled to the NHL, appearing in 19 games and contributing two goals and four points for the Predators.
Brynäs IF Era (2025–Future)
Following the conclusion of his contract with Nashville, Bellows opted to continue his career overseas, signing a one-year contract with Brynäs IF of the Swedish Hockey League in July 2025. This move marks a new chapter as he pursues opportunities in European professional hockey.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kieffer Bellows is known for his goal-scoring ability, demonstrated early in his junior and professional career. His offensive instincts and shooting skills make him a valuable forward. He has shown adaptability across different leagues and levels, working to refine his game and contribute both at the NHL and AHL levels.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bellows’ milestone includes being the first player in New York Islanders history to score his first four NHL goals in two two-goal games. His NHL debut and first goals came in quick succession in February 2020, marking significant moments in his professional journey.
Kieffer Bellows Career Wins
Throughout his career, Bellows has accumulated notable achievements across junior and professional leagues. His scoring prowess was evident in the USHL, WHL, AHL, and NHL, with key goals and contributions to his teams’ successes.
USHL and Junior Highlights
Bellows was named USHL Rookie of the Year after scoring 33 goals in his rookie season with the Sioux Falls Stampede. His junior career also included impactful performances with the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL, setting the stage for his professional career.
Professional Highlights
In the NHL, Bellows recorded his first goals with the New York Islanders and achieved a unique scoring record for the franchise. His AHL tenure includes a highly productive season with the Toronto Marlies, where he scored 27 goals and totaled 49 points.
Kieffer Bellows Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Kieffer Bellows comes from a hockey family; his father, Brian Bellows, was a notable NHL player. This background provided Kieffer with early exposure to professional hockey culture and mentorship, influencing his development and passion for the sport.
Personal Life
Details about Bellows’ personal life, including marital status and children, have not been publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Kieffer Bellows embarked on his first season with Brynäs IF in the Swedish Hockey League. This transition to European hockey represents a strategic move to continue his professional development and showcase his skills on an international stage. His prior experience in the NHL and AHL provides a strong foundation as he adapts to the SHL’s style of play.
Bellows aims to leverage his scoring ability and versatility to make a significant impact with Brynäs IF. The 2025 season will be critical for his career trajectory as he seeks to establish himself as a key contributor in one of Europe’s top leagues.