The Anaheim Ducks have signed free agent forward Chris Kelly for the rest of the season. His contract is for $1.25 million per year, pro-rated plus bonuses.
Hearing that Team Canada Olympic captain Chris Kelly has agreed to terms on a deal for the rest of the season with the Ducks. One year, $1.25 M pro-rated plus bonuses
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 25, 2018
Chris Kelly Signs with Anaheim Ducks
Over his 12-year NHL career, Kelly has played for the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins. He has put up 123 goals and 166 assists for 289 career points in 833 career games. He was originally drafted in the 3rd round, 28th overall of the 1999 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators.
Last season he scored five goals and seven assists for 12 points while playing for the Ottawa Senators. He also added 22 penalty minutes. This year while being the captain for team Canada in the Olympics he had two goals and one assist in six games. He also earned a bronze medal. He played in 16 games for the Belleville Senators before going to the Olympics, picking up two assists.
What Does This Mean for The Future
Kelly is the third player to be signed by an NHL team since the Olympics ended. Brian Gionta and Cody Goloubef signed earlier today. The Ducks are currently holding on to the second wildcard spot in the west. Adding Kelly obviously brings in depth at centre for the Ducks. They hope his Olympic form carries over to the NHL. The Ducks have struggled with injuries all year up front which also led them to sign the 39-year-old forward. The Ducks will be Kelly’s first western conference team he has played for after flip-flopping between Boston and Ottawa for his first 12 years of his career. Kelly will also bring playoff experience to the Ducks as he already as one Stanley cup ring.
Kelly like Gionta and Goloubef will look to take advantage of another opportunity given to him by an NHL team. He will look to earn a contract for next season as well with an NHL team.
Main Photo: The Men’s Canadian Ice Hockey Team practices ahead of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Hockey Training Venue on February 9, 2018 in Pyeongchang-gun, South Korea.
