Contract: UFA this summer
Report Card Grade in 2012: 5.5 out of 10
Introduction: Matt Ellis has long been equal parts a solid role player and running joke amongst Sabres fans. Everyone loves his effort, his professionalism, and his heart. The problem is, he doesn’t really do anything…quantifiable.
Ellis has been a part of this team for a few years, and in my opinion, part of the mediocrity problem. He has heart, but really nothing else to offer the team. There are fourth liners you can find with heart and some type of above average offensive or defensive ability, and any would be better than Ellis, who has likely played his last NHL game with Buffalo. Still, they may want to re-sign him to the Amerks, and he does provide an experienced emergency call-up.
Key Stat: Zero. Ellis recorded zero goals, assists, points, penalty minutes, takeaways, and didn’t even register a single hit in six games played. A fourth liner who not only doesn’t score, but doesn’t hit? No, thanks.
Thumbs Up: Contrary to his Buffalo nothingness, Ellis was a nice addition to Rochester, where he was hailed for his leadership and work ethic. He wasn’t necessarily very productive, but if anything he’s a consummate professional, and it’s always good to have a few guys like that on your AHL team showing the young guys how to live like a pro.
Thumbs Down: See key stat.
Voting: Using the good old grade school system of A, B, C, D, F, with a A representing a great season, C an average season, and F a very poor season, grade Matt Ellis on his performance this year according to the expectations you had for him.
What grade would you give Matt Ellis’s 2013 NHL season?
| A | 3 |
| B | 12 |
| C | 36 |
| D | 63 |
| F | 50 |