Kieffer Bellows Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #20

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Kieffer Bellows has been on a terrific run with the US NTDP with 48 goals and 78 points in 58 games this season. The son of ex-NHLer Brian Bellows, Kieffer is showing the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Bellows is committed to play for the Boston University Terriers next year, joining his frequent US NTDP linemate Clayton Keller. Bellows is currently playing in the IIHF Under 18 World Championships and has three goals and two assists in three games at the time of writing this profile. He played for Sioux Falls last season, leading the club to the Clark Cup with nine goals and 12 points in 12 playoff games. He also won the USHL Rookie of the Year Award. In 2014 his Edina High school team won the Minnesota state tournament. Bellows played in the All-American Top Prospects game last fall.

Kieffer Bellows Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #20

Left Wing — shoots Left
Born Jun 10 1998 — Edina, MN
Height 6’00” — Weight 195 lbs [183 cm/88 kg]

Like his father, Kieffer Bellows is a pure sniper. He has a tremendous wrist shot and release, as well as an excellent one-timer. His arsenal also features a heavy snap-shot, and good back hand. Bellows also has the soft hands, and quick reflexes, to get deflections and to pounce on rebounds and score in tight. He is not afraid to get his nose dirty, battling for space in front of the net. Bellows is more of a physically punishing forward than his father was, as he is more than willing to throw big hits when he gets in on that forecheck. He also shows excellent stick handling ability, and the good agility to beat defenders one-on-one, either off the rush or in the cycle game. Bellows uses his body to protect the puck in the cycle game and extend plays. Bellows sometimes gets a bit of tunnel vision, trying to shoot everything, but when he’s scoring as much as he is, its hard to blame him too much for that. He can be a good passer, and shows good vision, but must be more consistent in using these skills. Bellows plays the game on the edge, and this can sometimes lead to him crossing the line and taking bad penalties. He must dial that back going forward.

Kieffer Bellows is a good skater, with the speed to get in quickly on the forecheck. He has a quick first step and good acceleration, allowing him to win races to loose pucks. Bellows changes speeds effectively, and can use this to fool defenders on the rush. He can beat them to the outside and accelerate to the front of the net, or can slow up to open up a shooting lane and use the defender as a screen. Bellows also has the power and balance to win board battles, and to fight through checks and play a power forward style of game.

Bellows plays a strong defensive game. He is relentless in his pursuit of the puck in all three zones. Kieffer Bellows supports the defense down low, and applies effective back pressure. He understands good positioning, and has the hockey IQ to anticipate plays and create turnovers.

Bellows could stand to spend some time continuing to develop his game over the next couple of seasons in the NCAA. He needs to continue to put on muscle to play that physical game against pros. He also could use a bit more maturity in his game, avoiding bad penalties, and varying his attacks. With some development time, Bellows could develop into a top six forward. His style is similar to James van Riemsdyk, but this is a stylistic comparison only, and not one based on talent.

Below is a compiliation of Kieffer Bellows highlights, taken from youtube.