23. Chris Kelly
Nov 15, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins center Chris Kelly (23) during warmup prior to game against Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 465GP, 75G, 176P
Height/Weight: 6foot0, 198lbs
Acquired: 1999 NHL Entry Draft (3rd Round)
Chris Kelly is the ultimate example of how patience and development pays off.
When Kelly was drafted in the 3rd round, he fell a bit for a player coming out of a strong organization while posting strong numbers. A graduate of the London Knights, Kelly also spent seasons in Binghamton and Grand Rapids (previous affiliation) before making the NHL.
He would end up making the big club and playing nearly 500 games for the team. This, before being dealt as a pending free agent for a 2nd round pick (Shane Prince).
Kelly’s path reminds me a lot to that of current Senator, Zack Smith as comparisons can be drawn between the two.
While he wasn’t more than a 3rd line center, Kelly is in the top 15 of games played in a Senators uniform as he was an important depth piece all the way through the mid-to-late 2000’s.
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