Larry Henry JrThe Philadelphia Flyers have surely missed Ryan Ellis’ veteran presence on the blue-line this season, but will now be without the offseason acqusition for over the next one month.
Ellis has been ruled out 4-6 weeks due to a lower-body injury, the team announced Thursday. He will not need surgery Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault confirmed prior to Thursday night’s game vs. Tampa Bay.
“My understanding is they’re going to rehab and this is going to look like 4-6 weeks,” Vigneault said. “That’s what they’re thinking about.”
Ellis returned to the lineup in last week’s 5-2 road loss to the Dallas Stars, which was his fourth regular season appearance following his trade from the Nashville Predators. However, the 30-year-old will now likely be out through the rest of the calendar year.
Ellis has contributed one goal and four assists for five points this season, averaging 22:48 of ice time.
“Everything was fine,” Ellis said after that game. “Felt okay. Obviously it’s tough when you miss hockey games and jump right back in, especially on a back to back where everyone is pretty tired.”
His absence will force other defensemen to step up including Justin Braun, Travis Sanheim, and Keith Yandle.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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