Flyers Head Coach Alain Vigneault confirmed that Ryan Ellis not require surgery, and says he will rehab and be out at least 4-6 weeks. Somewhat good news, but hopefully he does not need surgery in the future, which would set him back once again. The only information the media has been given is it’s a lower body injury for Ellis, no other information in regards to what type of injury it is has been given.
Justin Braun has filled in admirably in Ellis’s 10 games missed due to injury, however, he is no Ryan Ellis. Braun is not supposed to be a top pairing defender, rather a mid to bottom pairing defenseman at this point in his career. However, Braun does lead the Flyers defenseman in points with eight, and is tied for fourth on the team in points, as well.
Ellis is a very good defender, and he will stick up for his teammates. He has good offensive instincts and great mobility. Ellis can move the puck quickly out of danger, and owns a powerful point shot. He was an excellent addition by Fletcher, and Ellis did state last week that if were the playoffs he would play.
This 30-year-old Defenseman in Ellis is great with gap control. He suffocates his opponents, and has no problem transitioning from the defensive zone. Gone are the days the Flyers have trouble with getting out of their own end with him on the ice. Ellis is a great compliment to the young Ivan Provorov, as he can provide tutelage and mentor Provorov. Fletcher paid Nolan Patrick and Philippe Myers for the services of Ellis. Ellis has five years remaining after this one, with a cap hit if $6.25 million. Durability is worrisome from a fan base that knows they need a to pairing defender to pair with Ivan Provorov. Justin Braun has filled in admirably without the services of Ellis, but then again he’s not Ellis. The fan base has every right to be nervous about the next five years with the durability of Ellis.
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He was hurt last year, and nagging injuries have been a detriment to how good of a Defenseman he really is, but when healthy he’s a handful or a pest to deal with. He’s excellent with clearing the crease, and that’s an area that the Flyers need help in. Ellis provides experience for a young backend that the Flyers currently have (Average age 27.5 last season). Ellis registered five goals, and 13 assists in 35 games played, as he missed 4-6 weeks with an upper body injury.
All in all, let’s hope Ellis returns soon, and can be the force that most know Ellis is. The Flyers are far better with him in the lineup that much is certain.
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