Islanders need to make moves, call up Kieffer Bellows then

New York Islanders prospect Kieffer Bellows has been torching the AHL for the past few weeks. Maybe he’s the magic the Isles are looking for.

With 104 goals-for (in all situations) the New York Islanders rank 24th of 31 teams in offense this year. That tracks with last year’s return. In 2018-19, the Islanders ranked 22nd in goals-for (in all situations) with 223.

Last season, the Isles were at least better at 5on5 with 162 goals-for, ranking 17th in the league. but that 5on5 offense isn’t happening this season. At 5on5, the Islanders have the 30th ranked offense in the league.

It’s a fact that the Islanders offense needs help. In the system, the Islanders have a player that’s scoring goals at will at the AHL level in Kieffer Bellows. Is it time for them to call him up? Yeah, why not.

Makin’ Moves

Before taking on the Minnesota Wild, Barry Trotz spoke bluntly about what’s going on with his team.

"“Let’s be realistic, we’re not playing that well, so you make changes,” Trotz said. “You make moves. You try to change the lines. You bring people up. Maybe there’s a trade. You don’t know what’s going to happen. You don’t want to give me any ammunition to say, ‘I’m going to bring this guy up from Bridgeport and put him in your spot.’ You talk to your guys, ‘This is your livelihood. If you let it slip because you get comfortable, you’re going to regret it.’”"

The Islanders need something, calling up a player that has 13 goals in his last 12 games seems like a good idea.

Ideally, the Islanders make a trade. They need to add top-six talent to the team. It’s been a need as far back as last season. With that being said I doubt, Lou is going to get on the horn as the team struggles.

Calling up a kid who’s on fire right now is an easy play for Lou. With 22 spots on the active roster taken, Bellows can come up without having to send someone else down. There’s very little downside to bringing up Bellows.

He’s scoring goals seemingly at will with the Sound Tigers and the Islanders are struggling to get anything to the back of the net. Bringing him up makes sense.

If the New York Islanders are looking to make a move to shake things up, and not one that involves moving Ross Johnston to the top line, then calling up Kieffer Bellows is the right call to make.