The Anaheim Ducks made a minor move today with the signing of Chris Kelly following his stint as Team Canada's captain in the Olympics.
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
Kelly has reportedly agreed to sign with the Ducks for the remainder of this season at a pro-rated amount of$1.25 million plus bonuses. Kelly and Team Canada are coming off a disappointing Olympic experience. They had to settle for a bronze medal after they were upset by the eventual silver medal winning Germans. Before that he played 16 games in the AHL with the Belleville Sens, picking up two assists along the way.
Kelly is a true NHL veteran with 833 games of experience under his belt. He spent parts of 13 seasons between Ottawa and Boston where he amassed 289 points (123g 166a) over his career. Last season he played all 82 games for the Sens with five goals, seven assists and a minus-17. His best season came as Bruin back in 2011-12, where he collected career highs in both goals (20) and points (39). Geez, that was ages ago!
This is a depth move and could turn out to be a good one if the Ducks make it back to the playoffs. The 37-year-old has plenty of big game and playoff experience to hang his hat on. He has 32 points (12g 20a) in 92 career playoff games and won a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in his career-year of '11-12.
I hope this is isn't the only move the Ducks make. They are rumored to be after another scoring threat. Kelly doesn't fit that bill. He plays a solid, physical Anaheim type of hockey, but he's not a threat to light the lamp anymore. We shall see.
The Ducks play host to the Edmonton Oilers tonight after they were blanked 2-0 in Arizona last night.
Thanks for reading, Steve