November 22nd 2024.
Parker Kelly may have felt like he was thrown into the deep end when he was initiated as a center in the NHL. It was a surreal experience for him when he stood face-to-face with veteran players like Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin during his first exhibition game for the Avalanche. Kelly, a newcomer to the league, was up against players who had thousands of faceoffs under their belt.
In that first game, Kelly admitted that he was just hoping to win at least one faceoff. He found it amusing and nerve-wracking at the same time. But he managed to win five out of thirteen faceoffs, including two against Duchene and Seguin. The Avalanche, who had also experimented with another inexperienced forward at center the previous year, saw potential in Kelly and decided to give him a shot.
Kelly has now played 20 games in his new position, and he describes the experience as a rollercoaster of learning and challenges. He was initially excited about the opportunity, but as he faced tougher opponents, he realized that there was still a lot for him to improve on, especially in the defensive zone. However, Kelly has been fortunate to receive support and guidance from his teammates and coaches, making the transition a little easier.
Just like last year's experiment with Ross Colton, Kelly has had his fair share of ups and downs. It didn't help that the Avalanche had a lot of injuries and lineup changes, causing Kelly to move up and down the depth chart. But despite these challenges, he has persevered and continues to improve with each game.
Recently, Kelly has been playing on a line with Miles Wood and rookie Nikolai Kovalenko, and they have been able to score three goals in three games, including Kelly's first goal with the Avalanche. He has seen an increase in his playing time, and his coach, Jared Bednar, has praised his performance and dedication to his role as a center.
Kelly admits that there was a learning curve when he first started playing as a center, but with time, he has become more comfortable and confident in his abilities. He has noticed a decrease in his time spent in the defensive zone, and he credits this to his improved knowledge of the game and his ability to anticipate plays.
Although Kelly's position as the fourth center is temporary, with Ross Colton's return from injury, he has made a positive impact on the team. He has shown a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn, which has earned him the respect and trust of his teammates. One memorable moment for Kelly was when he blocked five shots in one shift, helping the team defend a 5-on-6 situation against the Seattle Kraken. His determination and sacrifice for his team did not go unnoticed, and it only strengthens the chemistry and trust among the players.
Despite the hardships and physical toll that comes with being a center in the NHL, Kelly has embraced the challenge and has no regrets. He is grateful for the opportunity and is determined to continue learning and improving in his new position. Kelly's positive attitude and dedication make him a valuable asset to the Avalanche, and his teammates and coaches have taken notice. So, while it may have been a daunting task at first, Kelly has proven that he can handle the pressure and succeed as a center in the NHL.
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