Canadian captain Chris Kelly signs one-year deal with Ducks: report
Joining a growing list of 2018 Olympians that are finding new homes in the NHL, Chris Kelly has reportedly signed a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks.
According to TSN‘s Bob McKenzie, Kelly’s contract will pay him $1.25 million prorated for the balance of the 2017-18 season. The deal also includes unspecified bonuses.
Kelly captained the Canadian team to an Olympic bronze medal in PyeongChang, where he scored two goals (including a game-winner) and added one assist in six games. Before the Games he was skating with the Belleville Senators, Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, where he registered two assists in 16 games.
The 37-year-old scored 12 goals points last season, playing all 82 games with the Ottawa Senators. He played in Boston when the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Kelly makes his move to the NHL after a few other fellow Olympians announced similar moves. The Predators are expected to bring Eeli Tolvanen to Nashville for the playoffs, and 15-year veteran Brian Gionta was picked up by the Bruins.
The Ducks are likely just looking to add some depth to a roster that is clinging onto the final wildcard spot in the West. The Blues, Kings and Avalanche are currently just four points behind the Ducks. Anaheim has been battling the injury bug all season, with players such as Ryan Getzlaf, Patrick Eaves, Ryan Kesler and Corey Perry all missing large stretches of games.
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