Matt Ellis: 2010-2011 Report Card

It's time to put the finishing touches on the 2010-2011 season for the Buffalo Sabres. Here is a complete report card of every single player that played any amount of time with the Sabres this season. The journey began with Luke Adam and conclude in a month with Mike Weber. Thanks to Japers Rink and Mile High Hockey for the inspiration.

Introduction: After playing in 72 games for the Buffalo Sabres in the 2009-10 season, Matt Ellis started the season in the American Hockey League and only ended up on the roster for a total of 14 regular season games and 1 playoff game. In those games, Ellis didn't register on the scoresheet but the Sabres just kept on winning with him in the lineup. The Sabres lost one game in regulation and three games in overtime with Ellis in the lineup. While that is more of a statistical anomaly than anything Ellis did contributing to the lineup,

In the AHL, Ellis played in a total of 52 games with 10 goals and 31 points. He was signed in the offseason by the Sabres to be the veteran presence in Portland, which is a role that he played well.

Key Stat: Besides the fact that the Sabres couldn't seem to lose with Ellis in the lineup, Ellis was a relatively quiet player in his time in Buffalo. It was the first time since 2006-07 with the Detroit Red Wings that Ellis did not register an NHL point during the season. That was also the last time that Ellis spent the majority of the season in the AHL.

Voting: On a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest and ten being the highest, grade Tim Connolly on his season according to the expectations you had for him. If he met them, give him a five or a six. If he eclipsed them, aim for a seven or beyond. If he failed to meet them, give him a lower number relating to how poorly he missed the target.

Topics of Discussion: Matt Ellis was signed to a one year, two-way contract in the offseason last year. Will Ellis return to the team again next season or will he sign with another team to try and make an NHL club?