Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ryan Ellis is unlikely to start the next National Hockey League (NHL) season on time, head coach John Tortorella said Monday.
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The 31-year-old full-back played just four games last campaign due to a pelvic injury; he remained inactive after 13 November. Also, the club pilot clarified that Ellis will miss training camp and does not expect to see him in uniform on October 13 when the Flyers begin the regular season against the New Jersey Devils.
“I’ve had several conversations with him to see how he’s doing,” Tortorella told NHL.com. There have been ups and downs in the process in her case. He’s doing everything he can to be ready for camp, but I doubt it will work out.”
“It’s not a recurring injury, also mentioned the head instructor. He wants it well healed. We must remember that Ryan Ellis is a competitor. When he plays, he gives everything. He’s more frustrated than anyone with what’s going on and he’s not able to recover.”
The veteran still had time to register five points in 2021-2022, in his first year with the organization having acquired him from the Nashville Predators on July 17, 2021 against Philippe Myers and Nolan Patrick. He has 275 points in 566 career games.