Parker Kelly has elevated his game this season, achieving career-highs in goals, assists and points. But the other side of his game is just as impressive.

At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, the bottom-six forward will end the regular season with the lead in hits on the team. Through 81 games, Kelly has 177 — three more than defenseman Josh Manson.

“Maybe 15 of my hits add up to one of Josh’s. So I’m more of a quantity over quality, and he’s a quantity and quality guy,” Kelly said. “If you ask Josh the same thing, it’s part of our roles, especially on the forecheck.”

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The Camrose, Alberta, native has come a long way since being signed by the Ottawa Senators as an undrafted player in 2017. The Avs saw his potential and signed him as a free agent in the 2024 offseason.

“It’s a perfect example of a player trying to fight to get into the league. Undrafted guy, what do I got to do? … He perfects that. He’s a hard-skating, hard-forechecking, reliable defender,” head coach Jared Bednar said. “… Year after year, he’s just got gradually better offensively, more confidence. It doesn’t take away from his defensive game at all, but he’s able to chip in offensively. And the more you do that, the more you like it, and the more you want to keep doing it. He’s worked hard at his game to be able to do that. And it’s a great blueprint for any young guys coming into the league.”

Kelly will play in the last game of the season, marking the first perfect attendance of his NHL career. His mindset is an important factor in his sustainability.

“It definitely helps you come in with a good attitude. I’m a big believer, treat every day like it’s your last. This is a really special league to be able to play in,” Kelly said.

It’s a wonder the 26-year-old did not miss a game with his physical style of play. Most, if not all, of the team is dealing with some bumps and bruises, but Kelly has managed to play through his ailments.

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“If you’re able to play through it, you can kind of find a way. And then once you get into the thick of it, adrenaline’s a pretty big thing. Once you’re going and you’re in the heat of battle, stuff that’s bugging you or you got pain, it’s just out the window at that point, unless it’s a serious one,” Kelly said. “I just try to bring in my all every day and the smile on my face, make sure other guys have a good laugh at the rink. That’s kind of the way I go about it.”

How will Kelly’s focus shift in the playoffs?

Kelly has only played seven postseason games in his NHL career, last season with the Avalanche. He had one point, was a plus-4 and averaged 12:38 of ice time.

With nearly double the points from last season and a significant improvement in his game, expectations have changed.

“I’ll say all year, I’m always trying to unlock. I’m always going to have the core values of my game, and that’ll always be there, but I’m always trying to work on my offensive game. Make more plays, try to be risk-free, but still find a way to produce offense. And sometimes when you’re focusing on that stuff, you might lose physicality …” Kelly said. “Once playoff time comes, physicality will probably take priority over some of the other little things. And just want to be good defensively, try to win your matchup.”

Avs fans did not get to see too much from Kelly in last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs. But this season has been different, and it’s not over yet.