Flyers defenseman trying to force a trade?
When Ryan Ellis was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers last summer, it was intended to solidify their back end. Ellis 31, is known as a stable two way defender that can put the puck in the back of the net on a semi regular basis. Unfortunately, that's not how things have turned out for the defender in his first year with the Flyers.
Ellis appeared in just 4 games with the Flyers this season and has been sidelined with what appears to be multitude of injuries since the beginning of November. According to Anthony di Marco of the Fourth Period, his future with the flyers and his NHL career as a whole may be in jeopardy.
The problem is, no one is sure what exactly his injury is:
According to one source, "hip, hip flexor, core muscle, groin and abdominal".
Until Ellis can resume on ice activities, no one is certain where his future lies in the National Hockey League. While the Flyers are hopeful Ellis will be ready for next season, head coach Mike Yeo has hinted the team might be nearing a decision rather soon. It appears Ellis has been contemplating surgery since he went down in November but nothing has been made official.
Maybe most concerning for Flyers' fans is the thought that maybe Ellis has no intentions of ever playing for the Flyers:
According to one source, some within the Flyers wonder if Ellis even wants to be part of the organization. As I was told earlier in the week, Ellis has not been seen around the team in three weeks.
Even if Ellis wants out, it is hard to imagine a scenario that would see him in a different uniform to start next season. Having played in just four games this season, it is unlikely a team takes a flier on him and his five year contract ($6.25 million AAV). Additionally, if Ellis can't get healthy and back on the ice, it would make it very difficult to move him, as a physical would have to be passed with any team looking to acquire him. If he can't get healthy, the Flyers are likely "stuck with him," as one well-placed source mentioned to me.
Even if Ellis wants out, it is hard to imagine a scenario that would see him in a different uniform to start next season. Having played in just four games this season, it is unlikely a team takes a flier on him and his five year contract ($6.25 million AAV). Additionally, if Ellis can't get healthy and back on the ice, it would make it very difficult to move him, as a physical would have to be passed with any team looking to acquire him. If he can't get healthy, the Flyers are likely "stuck with him," as one well-placed source mentioned to me.
For his sake, I hope Ryan Ellis makes the right decision for himself regarding his future in hockey.
| POLL | ||
21 AVRIL | 135 ANSWERS Flyers defenseman trying to force a trade? Should Ellis hang em up? | ||
| Yes | 72 | 53.3 % |
| No | 63 | 46.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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