Chris Kelly, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent much of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a center. Born on November 11, 1980, in Toronto, Ontario, Kelly began his journey in hockey at a young age, eventually playing junior hockey with the London Knights and Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). His performance in the OHL caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Ottawa Senators in the third round, 94th overall, of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
Kelly's professional career commenced with the Senators' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, during the 2001-2002 season. He continued to hone his skills in the AHL with the Binghamton Senators, where he developed a reputation for being a reliable two-way forward. His consistent play earned him a call-up to the NHL, and he made his debut with the Ottawa Senators during the 2003-2004 season.
Over the next few years, Kelly established himself as a regular in the Senators' lineup. Known for his defensive acumen and ability to play in various situations, he became a valuable asset to the team. During the 2006-2007 season, Kelly played a crucial role in helping the Senators reach the Stanley Cup Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Anaheim Ducks.
In February 2011, Kelly was traded to the Boston Bruins, where he would experience one of the highlights of his career. He played a significant role in the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team, contributing both offensively and defensively throughout the playoffs. Kelly's versatility allowed him to be effective in different roles, whether it was centering a line or playing on the wing.
Kelly continued to be a steady presence for the Bruins over the next few seasons. However, during the 2015-2016 season, he suffered a fractured femur, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite this setback, Kelly worked diligently to return to the ice.
In 2016, Kelly returned to the Ottawa Senators as a free agent, bringing his veteran experience back to the team where he began his NHL career. He played one more season with the Senators before signing a professional tryout contract with the Edmonton Oilers in 2017. Although he did not secure a permanent spot on the Oilers' roster, Kelly continued to play hockey at the international level.
Kelly represented Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. As an alternate captain, he helped lead the Canadian team to a bronze medal, adding an international accolade to his career achievements.
After the Olympics, Kelly transitioned into a new phase of his career, taking on a player development role with the Senators. His extensive experience and knowledge of the game made him a valuable resource for developing players within the organization.
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