The Los Angeles Kings today claimed forward Matt Ellis off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings.
Ellis played 35 games with the Wings this season as a checking line forward, with 2 goals, 6 points and a plus-minus of +1.
Reports out of Detroit indicate Ellis had played in only four of the Wings last 19 games, so it’s possible with the struggling Kings he might see more playing time on their checking lines for the rest of this season.
He’s signed through next season for the league minimum of $475,000.
Likely a good move for Matt Ellis in the long run, although the kid is headed from the penthouse to the... well, the other house.
Consider: Just six more NHL games under his belt between now and the end of the season would have made him eligible to get his name chiseled on the Stanley Cup in the event of a Detroit win. That said, his demotion to Grand Rapids this late in the made claiming that six pack rather unlikely.
With the expected Los Angeles exodus forthcoming, Ellis should be able to get some ice time between now and the end of the year, and it gives the Kings a cheap contract for next season to round out the team.
kingsfan...your team is in the toilet. A fourth line Wings player could easily play on your first or second line. Ellis is a great player...I recommend you treat him well.
Question for a Wings fan, I saw that hit that Lidstrom took, and I don't think the knee is his problem. He whacked his head pretty good, and his legs wanted to work but his brain couldn't tell the legs what to do. He had zero clue where he was. Could the Wings be trying to cover up a concussion?
Ellis is a class act. We have talked with him many times and he has his head on straight, we are sad to see him go.
What's worse is going from being in the playoffs to going to a team that has no chance.
That must be hard to get up for a game when you know your season is dead.
Take care Matt!
Ps Deloh
When it comes to hockey and injuries (especially near the playoffs) nobody is telling the truth. Scotty Bowman was the master of this. It was almost comical at times.
If he hurt his leg..it's an abdominal strain.
If he got his bell rung, his big toe is broken.
If you like Detroit sports you need to check out ####
Last edited by detroitsportsmaniac on February 26th at 11:52 AM.
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
