Avalanche ink forward Parker Kelly to two-year deal

The Colorado Avalanche are adding depth to their fourth line.

There’s a new forward in town. The Colorado Avalanche have signed Parker Kelly to a two-year contract through the 2025-26 season, with a cap hit of $825,000.

The 25-year-old Kelly is coming off career highs in all offensive categories. He notched 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 80 games with the Ottawa Senators this past season. Moreover, he set a career-high in time on ice per game at 11:42. Kelly recorded two shorthanded goals (tied for the team lead) and recorded his first career NHL goal down a man in Ottawa’s season-opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 11.

Kelly, who hails from Camrose, Alberta, had 35 points (17 goals and 18 assists) in 177 career games over parts of four seasons with the Senators. He originally signed with Ottawa as a free agent in September 2017. He dressed in 128 AHL games with their minor league affiliate, the Belleville Senators from 2017-2022, notching 49 points (26 goals, 23 assists) over that period. He also appeared in two Calder Cup playoff games in 2021-22.

Before turning pro, Kelly appeared in 273 WHL games with the Prince Albert Raiders from 2015-19, where he accumulated 188 points (93 goals, 95 assists) and served as an alternate captain for two of those seasons. He was also stellar in postseason play. In 35 playoff contests, he recorded 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) and was a factor in the Raiders’ 2019 WHL Championship run.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Kelly should serve as a boost for Colorado both offensively and defensively. He has also been credited for his discipline, as he only spent 30 minutes in the penalty box last season. In addition, he had 171 hits and 67 blocks. The rising contender is expected to be a mainstay on Colorado’s fourth line at a cheap price.