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Nashville Predators Hierarchy of Importance in the Lineup

By Chad Minton

WINNIPEG, MB - JANUARY 12: Calle Jarnkrok #19, Roman Josi #59, Matt Duchene #95 and Yannick Weber #7 of the Nashville Predators discuss strategy during a second period stoppage in play against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on January 12, 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Preds shutout the Jets 1-0. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB - JANUARY 12: Calle Jarnkrok #19, Roman Josi #59, Matt Duchene #95 and Yannick Weber #7 of the Nashville Predators discuss strategy during a second period stoppage in play against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on January 12, 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Preds shutout the Jets 1-0. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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. Ryan Ellis. 4. player. 151. .

If you had questions about Ryan Ellis’ importance to the Nashville Predators at this time last year, then all you need it Exhibit A of the Winter Classic injury to change your mind on that.

Ellis went down with an unfortunate and controversial head injury in the Winter Classic at the hands of Dallas’ Corey Perry, and it absolutely impacted the Predators in a very negative way.

The defense for the Predators was largely a train wreck for a large portion of the season, and it got so much worse when Ellis was out. This forced the Predators to shift their defensive pairings around, and it was never really the same.

Ellis is just such a smart player. He knows what defensive position to be in to make important plays to slow down an offensive attack, while he also brings his own offensive punch that rivals Roman Josi‘s abilities.

Even after missing 20 games, Ellis still put up very respectable season totals in key statistical categories. With 20 extra games being played, you can even argue that he would’ve been in the Norris Trophy conversations along with Josi.

It really is a shame that Ellis got the opportunity robbed from him on a dirty hit, but it also reaffirms that the best might still be to come for the 29-year-old.

Ellis’ continued improvement into one of the better all-around defenseman in the NHL is massively important to the Nashville Predators remaining a regular playoff participant and going deep in those appearances.

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