Results tagged “Matt Ellis” from Inside the Kings
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.
MATT ELLIS
This season: 19 games, 1 goal, 1 assist, plus-2 rating (with Kings); 54 games, 3 goals, 5 assists, plus-3 rating (overall).
Positives: The expectations were fairly low when the Kings claimed Ellis off waivers from Detroit, but he was a lineup regular who averaged almost 13 minutes per game and played a responsible defensive game. Ellis proved to be a hard worker who wasn't afraid to throw his body around.
Negatives: At age 26, he's unlikely to develop much of an offensive game, so he's limited there and probably won't rise above an energy-line role. He's also not terribly big, which could potentially mean injury problems with his style of play.
Looking ahead: Ellis definitely has a chance to make an impact with the Kings, but he likely will be competing for a roster spot with players such as John Zeiler, Matt Moulson, Gabe Gauthier and Brady Murray. His defensive skills are a huge plus but his offensive limitations will hold him back.
Contract status: Signed through 2008-09 (cap number of $475,000 next season).
About the bloggers
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.
Recent Comments
Harry on Player evaluation: Ellis: Anthony, Which part of the game play do you compare Ellis with Zeiler? ...
Dan H. on Player evaluation: Ellis: He's a good add to the 4th line for a checking line and as was stated ...
brianguy on Player evaluation: Ellis: he is one of the sole reasons for our improved PK. the Kings would be ...
lakingzfan on Player evaluation: Ellis: comes from a classy organization and hopefully can rub off some good h ...
Gord on Player evaluation: Ellis: A good addition to the bottom 6. I don't care if he never scores singl ...
JDM on Player evaluation: Ellis: A character type player that every team needs on the fourth line. Res ...
Bruce on Player evaluation: Ellis: One of the big reasons the Kings PK improved late in the season. Can' ...
anthony on Player evaluation: Ellis: Not too impressed with this player. He's one step above John Zeiler an ...