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Ryan Ellis News
Trotz did not say, but defenseman Ryan Ellis may have played his best game of the preseason.

Ellis may have earned a roster spot with his play last night. The Freelton, ONT native scored 24 goals and 101 points in his final season with the Windsor Spitfires. If he stays on the team, look for him to help man the bottom pairing.

Ryan Ellis
Trotz liked the improvements of defenseman Ryan Ellis last night: “Ellis was 100 times better than he was in game one,” Trotz said. “He didn’t turn the puck over like he did. His first game he was a turnover machine early, then he started stabilizing. I thought he played a pretty good game.”

With Roman Josi injured, Ellis has a good chance of making the team. The former 11th overall pick scored 24 goals and a resounding 100 points last season in the OHL. He could replace Cody Franson nicely on the bottom pairing.

Ryan Ellis
"We never have been an organization that will rush a guy and we like to say that they're ready when they're ready, and we'll let Ryan determine if he's ready or not."

With Francis Bouillon still injured and the departures of Cody Franson and Brett Lebda, there should be room for the blue-chipper Ellis. He will need to earn a spot over other prospects like Teemu Laaskso and Roman Josi in addition to outplaying vets like Tyler Sloan and Jack Hillen. Could be a very interesting sleeper pick in dynasty/keeper leagues.

Ryan Ellis