Getty Images When this lockout ends — and someday it will — the Nashville Predators will face the task of staying competitive without Ryan Suter. That task will rely heavily on their young and emerging defensemen, like Ryan Ellis.
Like many other emerging talents, Ellis was given the option to develop his game in the AHL for the duration of the lockout, but he couldn’t take full advantage of that opportunity at first due to a broken wrist. Now he’s better and was able to make his 2012-13 debut on Tuesday.
Ellis is known for his offensive abilities, but as long as the lockout is forcing him to play in the minors, the Predators are hoping that he’ll work on honing his defensive game, according to the Tennessean.
“No question, with his size, he will have to work at that end of his game,” Admirals coach Dean Evason said. “He knows how to defend. It’s now a matter of defending against bigger, stronger men.”
Ellis split the 2011-12 campaign between the AHL and NHL and ended up playing in three contests during the Predators 2012 playoff run. Suter’s departure presents Ellis with an opportunity, but he’ll have to compete with Nashville’s other promising young defensemen, Roman Josi and Jonathon Blum, for playing time and maybe even a roster spot once the lockout ends.
-
Report: NHLPA director Fehr wants to address issue of fighting
May 22, 2013, 9:02 PM EDT
Getty Images
He’s been reaching out to agents and players.
-
Mike Halford and Jason Brough tackle that question.
-
Getty Images
He also wants to express his gratitude to the Vancouver Canucks.
-
AP
Beau Bennett and Jussi Jokinen have been inserted into the lineup.
-
AP
Two swift playoff exits sunk the Canucks’ coach.
-
His career has gone downhill since being part of the Hodgson trade.
-
AP
Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault joins the fray.
-
“As long as they keep winning here, that just gives me a better chance for a return with every win.”
-
“Will we look at them? Absolutely.”
-
Getty Images
Pittsburgh’s power play is just 1-for-12 in its past two games.
-
Official: Canucks fire head coach Vigneault, assistants Bowness and Brown
May 22, 2013, 3:48 PM EDT
Getty Images
Vancouver cleans house.
-
After starring for Team USA, Ducks goalie Gibson ‘ready for the NHL right now’
May 22, 2013, 3:31 PM EDT
Decent goaltending depth in Anaheim at the moment.
-
Darin Pastor wants to know why his offer to buy the Coyotes was rejected
May 22, 2013, 2:47 PM EDT
Getty Images
Click to read two good reasons.
-
AP
This should make the Keith Ballard buyout easier to stomach.
-
Question for commenters: What, if anything, needs to be done about the officiating?
May 22, 2013, 2:07 PM EDT
Go have your say.
-
Top-ranked Russian prospect Nichushkin will play in North America next year
May 22, 2013, 1:55 PM EDT
He’s expected to be a top-5 pick at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
-
Club says he suffered no injuries.
-
Getty Images
His contract with the Coyotes is up June 30.
-
Stone to make ’13 postseason debut for Sens in Game 4 vs. Pens, Conacher out
May 22, 2013, 11:10 AM EDT
Bold, but familiar move from Ottawa head coach Paul MacLean.
-
Getty Images
Veteran defenseman spent 15 years in the league.
