Signed as a free agent in July 2024, Parker Kelly made a subtle yet steady impact in his first season with the Colorado Avalanche, appearing in 80 games of the team's 82 regular season games.
Known for his physical style of play, Kelly seamlessly filled the role of the team's third-line center and became a key contributor to the Avalanche's depth during the 2024-25 season.
Recent report reveals shocking news on Colorado Avalanche's Parker Kelly.
Savvy Rafkin from Hockey Mountain High writes that offensively, Kelly posted 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points, an improvement over his previous season with the Ottawa Senators. While the numbers aren't incredible, they reflect a steady upward trend in his production since the his NHL debut in 2020-21. Notably, five of his goals were game-winners, highlighting his ability to step up in key moments.
"Not only did Kelly have his first season with the Avalanche, he also made his first playoff appearance. Though the 2024-25 playoff stint was short, he put up one assist and emerged from the seven games +4. With the new experience under his belt, he will probably continue to improve his postseason production by next season." -Rafkin
Kelly's contributions extend well beyond the scoresheet. He played a key role on the penalty kill, bolstering a unit that finished 12th in the league. His shot-blocking efforts and physical play, averaging just under two hits per game, made him a vital presence on a team built around offensive firepower. His strong chemistry with linemates Jack Drury and Logan O"Connor further amplified his overall impact.
"One of the most appealing aspects of Kelly's presence is his affordability. With a cap hit of $825,000, he provides value while maintaining flexibility in building a lineup to go the distance. For a franchise like Colorado, every dollar counts. Kelly's cap-friendly deal allows room to build around their core while making room for captain Gabriel Landeskog's salary." -Rafkin
There's little to fault in Kelly's first season in Denver. Under contract through the 2025-26 season, the Avalanche will continue to count on his reliability and physical edge as they push toward another Stanley Cup run.