Parker Kelly demonstrates the depth and versatility of the Colorado Avalanche, qualities that are essential when injuries occur and the lineup changes.
Head coach Jared Bednar moved Kelly to the fourth-line center spot between Gavin Brindley and Joel Kiviranta against the L.A. Kings on Dec. 29, 2025.
READ MORE: Colorado Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog to miss ‘some weeks’ due to injury
“I didn’t really like my game against L.A., to be honest. First game back in the position wasn’t really great on draws. Some missed assignments in the D-zone, in my opinion. But thought yesterday was a bit better,” Kelly said following the 6-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. “Just watching video with Hak (assistant coach Dave Hakstol) and did some reminders. He pointed out some things I did well and some things that I just needed to be reminded of.”
Kiviranta suffered a lower-body injury in the Kings’ game. He remains day-to-day and did not travel with the team on the three-game road trip. Zakhar Bardakov has taken over the fourth-line role with Kiviranta sidelined.
“Bardy has been out for a bit, but his first game back, I thought he was great. His legs were going and just taking pucks to the net. So I really liked his game yesterday,” Kelly said following the Blues matchup.
More injuries shift lineup
Brindley suffered a lower-body injury against the Blues and missed the matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. Forward Taylor Makar played with Kelly and Bardakov, but the line did not get on the scoresheet in the 5-3 victory.
Brindley returned against the Florida Panthers on Sunday, but the Avalanche lost captain Gabriel Landeskog to injury in the 2-1 loss.
With Brindley moving up to the second line, Kelly centered Bardakov and Makar vs the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. He scored a goal, with Bardakov providing the assist on the play.
“Just got to keep talking to your linemates. Make sure everyone’s on the same page, make sure they’re talking on the ice. And I’m going to try and make everyone feel comfortable. Positive reinforcement, not every shift is going to be great. We have high standards, and I have high standards. You want to be in the O-zone every shift, but that’s probably not going to be the reality of it the next couple of games,” Kelly said before the road trip.
Avalanche coach impressed with Kelly’s game
Bednar is happy with the 26-year-old forward’s performance since moving him to center.
“I like what he’s been doing. And it’s harder when you don’t just have a set line …,” Bednar said. “This is the second time now we’ve had him in the middle of the ice. I like him in both positions. I’ve really liked him on the wing. But I feel like he’s done a better job now this year of maintaining some of the strengths of his game as a winger, now that he’s back at center. It’s not easy to go back and forth, sometimes even within the game, using him in both spots. I’m really impressed with what he’s done for us this year.”
Makar was reassigned to the Colorado Eagles on Tuesday, indicating Kiviranta may be ready to return. Barring any more injuries, Kelly will be able to get comfortable with Bardakov and Kiviranta for a bit while Brindley fills in on the top six.