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Nashville Predators: Ellis Ready to be Predators’ Next Great Leader

By Treigh Patterson

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 3: Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during Game Three of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena on June 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 3: Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during Game Three of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena on June 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 11: Ryan Ellis
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 11: Ryan Ellis /

Possible Captain?

So what is next for Ryan Ellis? He is only 26 years old, yet he has already matured into one of the best defensemen in the NHL. He exhibits poise under pressure, and has the rare ability to be able to compete with controlled emotion. As mentioned before, he will give his all for Nashville, no matter what. He battled a serious lower body injury towards the end of the playoffs, yet he refused to give in. When the team needs him, he is there. He exemplifies what it means to be a true leader, and he will be ready to expand on that role next season. So, now the question remains: Who will be the Nashville Predators Captain at the start of the 2017 season?

When it comes to a captain vacancy, the person to fill that void encompasses the traits of a leader. Everyone has their own definition of what a leader is, but regardless of how you define it, I am positive Ellis will fit it. Does this mean he should be the next captain, though? In my opinion, Ellis would make a fantastic captain for the Predators. If we were allowed to vote, he would get mine. However, there is somebody else on the roster just as deserving, if not more.. That person is Roman Josi. Josi has certainly paid his dues, and he embodies everything I have already discussed in regards to Ellis.

One thing is for sure, the captain position will be in good hands, regardless of who is bestowed that honor. In the event Ellis does not receive the role of captain, he will most likely be given an “A” to be sewn onto his sweater. Ellis still has a long career ahead of him, and no matter where he winds up playing years from now, eventually he will get to flaunt the captain’s “C.”

Next: Top 5 Moments from the 2016-17 Season

When that day finally comes, I just hope that Ellis is still playing for Nashville.

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