Ellis happy with L.A.
Matt Ellis was the subject of a story in his hometown paper, the Welland Tribune. Ellis talks about how he's glad to be a part of the Kings organization, even though he left a winning organization in Detroit (via waivers last season) and he's not assured a roster spot with the Kings.
Ellis said, ``Last year going into Detroit I knew I'd be battling for a job. This year, the whole Kings organization (has) new faces ... they cleaned house with the coaching staff. ... Going into this situation, it's again about making a new first impression. I'm excited to get down there and seeing what (Kings head coach) Terry Murray is all about, get acquainted with some of the new faces and take it from there.''
The picture, by the way, is from the Welland paper. Ellis is working out in his hometown, wearing Kings gear.
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Rich Hammond has covered the Kings, on a full-time or part-time basis, since the 2000-01 season. He was the beat writer for the entire John Torchetti era and has witnessed Bob Miller singing country music in a Nashville honky-tonk bar. A native of Los Angeles, Rich has worked at the Daily News since 1999 and also serves as the paper's deputy sports editor. E-mail Rich at rich.hammond@dailynews.com.
Jill Painter joined the Daily News in 2000 and during the last eight years she's covered the Dodgers, Cal State Northridge, UCLA, Kings, golf and everything in between. Even though she's from Colorado, she still freezes in the Staples Center press box but always manages to thaw her fingers in time to make deadline. E-mail Jill at jill.painter@dailynews.com.
Ellis was actually picked up off waivers not via trade.
I actually like Ellis, I like his grit and grinding play. Sure would be nice to see him crack the line up as a starter this season.
I believe Ellis will make the team and play a lot.
I was stoked with Ellis's play. Solid defensively, not too old, and a hell of a penalty killer. Throw him out there on the PK with Sully, and watch the Shorthanded goals climb.
I think Ellis was a good pickup for this organization. I know he isn't in a lot fan's roster draft but he can take care of his own end and he has tremendous speed. I liked how no matter what the score was, what the situation was, what he was playing against, he always skated as if his life depended on it and always took the shot even if he knew it had no chance of going in. Instead of dumping, he would always skate as hard as he could and take the shot, I respect that a lot. Would not mind in the least if he made a spot even to take one away from youth.
I agree with the previous posts.
Ellis has shown steady improvement at each level during his career.
http://www.forecaster.ca/thestar/hockey/player-career.cgi?2884
i have to agree with everyone here. i thought ellis played hard and gave 100% each game. i too hope he makes the big club. he seems to be the kind of player that lombardi covets - gritty, hard-working, character guy.
good luck matt.
But are the Kings happy with Ellis? I would hope so, he has the ability to be a solid 4th liner, maybe even a 3rd liner.
I agree that he was a fantastic penalty killer. I see him in a 4th line role with extensive time on the PK.
You guys do realize that he's happy to be in LA because it's a roster he can actually crack. Unlike the one in Detroit or most other NHL cities.
OrangePuck,
The Kings have a talented group of forwards, better than a lot of teams in the league. Its the Defense that is in need of help. So if Ellis gets a spot in LA, its because he earned it, not because we have no depth at forward.
@OrangePuck
He would have a better shot at breaking the Ducks' lineup than the Kings'. The Kings scored more goals and more points than the Ducks last season.
Obviously the Kings' problem was keeping it out of the net, and the Ducks' problem was putting it in. LA's offensive roster is deep and a tough one to crack, especially with all the young prospects ready to taste the NHL.
It would be like trying to get on the Ducks' defensive roster, other than the fact that Schneider is likely on his way out.