Chris Kelly might not be playing his usual position when the 2014-15 NHL season opens next month. He might not even be playing for the Boston Bruins.
His guess is as good as anyone’s.
“I’m sure you guys will let me know,” Kelly joked to reporters after Wednesday’s informal practice, via CSNNE.com. “I’ve played every position before, so I’ll play wherever I’m needed, or wherever it helps.”
Kelly, a Bruin since 2011 and an alternate captain since 2012, has been mentioned as a potential trade chip because of his recent injury history — he played in just 57 games last season and missed the entirety of the playoffs — and hefty $3 million salary-cap hit.
The veteran forward says he’ll be at full strength when the Bruins open training camp Sept. 18, however, and that he’s trying not to worry about matters that are out of his hands.
“(The salary cap and trades) are out of my control,” Kelly said. “That’s not a hockey player’s issue. That’s a management issue. They do a great job with that, and I’m sure that will continue. There’s been speculation my entire career: who are you going to play with … are you going to be here, or not going to be here? You can go crazy worrying about that stuff.”
Kelly, who tallied eight goals and eight assists last season, did note he has a limited no-trade clause in his contract that would allow him to be traded to any of eight different teams.
Photo via Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports Images
