Ottawa Senators Hope that Chris Kelly Can Stay Healthy

When we try to go back and re-live certain events, we often find that the intoxicating aroma of nostalgia is the real draw, and to try to hold onto things in a constantly changing world is a dubious endeavor. The Ottawa Senators seem like they’re trying to do this with Chris Kelly.

Before the Derick Brassard acquisition, signing Kelly was probably the most noteworthy transaction the Senators had done this offseason.

Mike Hoffman being re-signed is arguably more influential than getting Brassard in exchange for Mika Zibanejad, but that also hadn’t yet occurred when Kelly was signed.

Kelly is one of those guys who truly endears himself to fans thanks to his work ethic and hustle. At 6’0’’ and 193 LBS, he isn’t blessed with physical tools to give him an advantage out on the ice.

He is forced to overcome his lack of an impressive frame with grit and determination. Flair has never been his forte. He instead makes a living operating as a two-way grinder.

He scored 20 goals in a season once back in 2011-2012 with the Bruins, and during his first stint with the Senators from 2005-2011, he never had less than 23 points or more than 38 points.

Add that to his defensive skill and it’s easy to see why Kelly was always a fan favorite. His ability as a penalty killer only added to his value.

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After he was traded to the Bruins in 2011, he won a Stanley Cup later that season. He knows what it takes to win in this league.

The Senators front office has added veterans like Brassard and Kelly that have distinguished playoff track records.

Brassard was the Rangers’ most prolific playoff scorer during his time there, and Kelly elevated his game during the 2011 playoffs to help the Bruins hoist the Cup.

In 25 games during the 2011 playoffs, Kelly had 13 points. That represents a higher scoring rate than any of his regular seasons.

It’s even more pronounced when realizing that in 24 regular season games for the Bruins that season, Kelly had just 5 points.

It’s refreshing when a player can rise to the occasion in crucial games, and Kelly proved he has that trait.

The Senators haven’t missed the playoffs in 2 consecutive seasons since 1996. These two acquisitions are clearly refurbishing the team for a postseason edge.

Of course, that assumes that Kelly is even going to be healthy enough to play in those playoffs. Unfortunately, that’s an iffy bet to make.

He broke his left femur back in November, and the recovery period was originally expected to be 6-8 months.

He’s recovered now, but it’s unclear how much he has left in the tank. He’s going to be turning 36 in November, and it’s not fair to expect him to get back to the level he was at during his original run with the Senators.

When he’s out on the ice, he brings veteran leadership, toughness, and solid defense. Hopefully he can remain healthy in order to help the team.

He brings versatility to that 4th line, and can play either center or left wing. It’ll be interesting to see what position he ends up getting more playing time at.

If Curtis Lazar gets penciled in as the 3rd line right winger, then Kelly is probably going to settle in as the 4th line center.

Chris Neil will be the 4th line right winger then, and somebody like Ryan Dzingel, Matt Puempel, or Nick Paul will be at the 4th line left wing spot.

Lazar is equally adept at center, so if he ends up being the 4th line center, then Kelly would presumably be the 4th line left wing.

That would leave a gaping hole at right wing, though, especially if they want to keep Neil on that 4th line.

It seems likely that Lazar will spend most of his time at right wing as opposed to center, meaning Kelly gets that 4th line center spot.

Next: Ottawa Senators Have a Physical Right Winger Waiting for a Chance

If Kelly can stay healthy, he’s the type of gritty two-way forward that helps a team win games by doing all the little things while on the ice.

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