Acquired via free agency in July 2024, Parker Kelly made a quiet impact in his debut season with the Colorado Avalanche, suiting up for 80 of 82 regular season games. Recognized for his physical style of play as a forward, Kelly fit perfectly in his role as the team’s third-line center and proved to be huge for depth throughout the 2024–25 season.

Kelly’s Performance

Offensively, Kelly recorded eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points, an improvement from his previous season with the Ottawa Senators. While not overwhelming numbers, his production year after year shows an upward trend since his NHL debut in 2020–21. Five of his goals were game-winners, which speaks to his readiness to rise to the challenge in clutch situations.

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.

Kelly’s value goes beyond the scoresheet. He was a staple in the penalty kill, helping a unit that finished 12th in the league. His willingness to block shots and physical presence (averaging just under two hits per game) make him an essential piece in an offense-driven Avalanche lineup. His chemistry with line mates Jack Drury and Logan O’Connor elevated his 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.

There’s little to criticize in Kelly’s first year in Denver. With a contract through the 2025–26 season, they’ll continue to rely on his consistency and physicality in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.