What Is The Forum's Thoughts On Colten Ellis?

[TBone]

Is he good enough to one day assume Goalie 2 duties to make either Binnington or Hofer expendable in a trade?

And while I'm not advocating a trade, what do you think Binnington and/or Hofer could fetch? A second line C or Top 4 defenseman?

[hockey jedi]

I was all in on trading Binner at the deadline. It wasn't because he's not a great goalie. It was because his value was high and I wanted to get the best return possible. Plus, it didn't look like the Blues were going to be playoff eligible for a couple of years. The Blues showed us that the rebuild is further along with the addition of Broberg, Holloway, Bolduc and Snuggerud. We should be making the playoffs regularly again. I would trade Hofer or Ellis to keep backup salary low and get a good return. This is just a math problem keeping the churn going. We need to work the algorithm to keep having players ready to make the jump to the NHL before we are forced to release them due to not having room. I'd be fine with trading Hofer. He's going to be a backup until Binner leaves. If he's a sweetner in a trade that improves our roster, then let's do it.

[dhsux]

Is he good enough to one day assume Goalie 2 duties to make either Binnington or Hofer expendable in a trade?

And while I'm not advocating a trade, what do you think Binnington and/or Hofer could fetch? A second line C or Top 4 defenseman?

If someone wants JB I would assume it's a hopeful closing piece for a Cup run and the price will be next to or at extensive.

If it were as you suggest it would be a player with proven credentials just coming up on his prime, imo. A catch.

I put Joel as more of a proven commodity but not near the value of JB as it sits right now. Could he bring a second for a team that wants him?

JB's not going anywhere imo. Things can change but right now he's got a statue on Clark Street if he hangs here just a bit further. There's value to this franchise for his presence.

[DawgDad]

The Blues want to improve 5% and be a serious contender in the playoffs, they won't be trading Binner and they won't be careless with the backup goaltender. They don't figure to rely on Ellis until he gets some games in to get his feet wet and earn trust, that might happen this season but it might not. I believe they will cash in Hofer if he won't extend. When that time comes they might add a veteran backup. We'll see.

[netboy65]

The Blues want to improve 5% and be a serious contender in the playoffs, they won't be trading Binner and they won't be careless with the backup goaltender. They don't figure to rely on Ellis until he gets some games in to get his feet wet and earn trust, that might happen this season but it might not. I believe they will cash in Hofer if he won't extend. When that time comes they might add a veteran backup. We'll see.

All of the above plus traditionally goalies don’t fetch all that much in a trade

[zamadoo]

I'd like to know how well Ellis plays the puck. That's a huge skillset that Binner and Hofer have over other goalies that gives us an advantage. It's a big reason I don't want to lose Hofer and think we should give him a nice bridge contract since the salary cap is going up so much over the next few years.

We have Binner under contract for two more seasons, and I think we should extend him next offseason to keep him here for his career. Sign Hofer to a 3 year deal as insurance in case Binner wants to sign elsewhere. I'm thinking the deal Husso got from Detroit - something other teams would have to fork up a nice haul to beat out with an offer sheet.

But, if Ellis is every bit as good as Hofer, including playing the puck, maybe not.

[STL fan in MN]

I think Ellis has NHL potential. Whether that’s as a starter or a backup is TBD. And if a starter, no idea if he’d be able to be a basic one or someone that has the mental game to be able to lead a team to a Cup. But he was (bleep) good in Springfield this season. Deservedly named team MVP. But we won’t really know just how good he is until he plays in the NHL some. We don’t even know all of the answers to those questions regarding Hofer yet. But Ellis is competitive and never gives up on a play. And rarely lets in weak ones. But we’ve yet to see him consistently stop NHL caliber shots.

As for trading one of Binner or Hofer, I’m not going to answer that as I don’t wand to entertain it. However, if Hofer forces the Blues’ hand as a RFA this summer and we’re forced to move him, I’d be comfortable with Ellis as long as we signed a basic vet journeyman as well. Ellis could then battle it out with the journeyman for the backup role or they could split the #2/#3 roles.

[Frank Barone]

I remember a couple of summers ago before Hofer jumped to the NHL full time, Army made some public statements that the Blues believed Hofer was ready. I haven't seen the same type of public statements so far about Ellis although I may have missed something. Army could be holding back due to Hofer's status on the team (he is the current backup).

As I said in a different thread, I hope Hofer stays with the Blues. Having three goalies that are capable of playing in the NHL is a good thing, as an injury could quickly turn three into two.

[STL fan in MN]

I remember a couple of summers ago before Hofer jumped to the NHL full time, Army made some public statements that the Blues believed Hofer was ready. I haven't seen the same type of public statements so far about Ellis although I may have missed something. Army could be holding back due to Hofer's status on the team (he is the current backup).

As I said in a different thread, I hope Hofer stays with the Blues. Having three goalies that are capable of playing in the NHL is a good thing, as an injury could quickly turn three into two.

That was when we let Greiss walk and were planning on handing the backup role to Hofer. It’d be awkward to say the same about Ellis now with Hofer already in place.

And I wouldn’t say Ellis is quite as ready as Hofer was 2 years ago. He could use another 1/2 to full year in the AHL first. But if Hofer forces a move (not that I’m saying he will though) then I think Ellis could be ready to step up if needed.

[JoshInFenton]

Ellis as it is now i want to kinda see him follow it up with good results again. Doesn't have to look absolutely unbeatable, just has to look like he can continue to be a very dependable goalie. But he's had only 1.25-1.5 seasons in the AHL as a prospect ready to play at that level, at that amount of play a lot of people were still hopeful of Zherenko's progression/ascension being the real deal. Not saying he won't figure out that last thing or two that turns the corner, just saying it's a pretty difficult position to get a good feel on what you have. Do think we have a solid group of young goalies organizationally though, shouldn't have to go find the guy we want to get behind next from outside the organization.

[Old_Goat]

All excellent comments & thoughts on this thread! And I particularly like the consideration for the puck-handling ability.
So, assuming we can extend Hofer which is likely the best move right now, maybe if/when there is a short-term injury situation early in the season with a skater out front, we could call up Ellis have 3 goalies onboard and see how he looks for a couple of games? I realize that every in-season game is important from early to end, but pre-season games just are not the same with what opposing teams put out there. I know the experts are good at evaluating how a minor or junior player are progressing, but there's nothing like being thrown in the deep-end. And if all goes well, then management will have a stronger position from which to deal if needed as next year progresses.

[STL fan in MN]

All excellent comments & thoughts on this thread! And I particularly like the consideration for the puck-handling ability.
So, assuming we can extend Hofer which is likely the best move right now, maybe if/when there is a short-term injury situation early in the season with a skater out front, we could call up Ellis have 3 goalies onboard and see how he looks for a couple of games? I realize that every in-season game is important from early to end, but pre-season games just are not the same with what opposing teams put out there. I know the experts are good at evaluating how a minor or junior player are progressing, but there's nothing like being thrown in the deep-end. And if all goes well, then management will have a stronger position from which to deal if needed as next year progresses.

Agreed. The Blues need to find a way to get Ellis into a handful of NHL games this season, similar to how Hofer got 6 games the season before he took over as backup. That said, both Binner and Hofer have both been perfectly healthy the 2 years they’ve been a tandem. For the Blues sake, hopefully they continue to stay healthy but if that happens again, then like you suggest, the Blues would have to get creative with the roster and possibly ruffle feathers to get Ellis into some games.

I’ll also note that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to draft a goalie this summer. But they better not use their 1st to do so as I’m just not a fan of Ravensbergen (really the only goalie with a chance to go in the 1st this summer). And the Blues only have a 5th and 6th after that (for now anyway) so it might not happen but they haven’t drafted a goalie since they took Cranley 5 years ago.

I also think there’s a good chance they’re going to lose Zherenko and need to add another AHL caliber guy this summer. Zherenko is a pending RFA. Moscow Dynamo owns his KHL and their coach said a couple weeks ago they’re going to try to get him to come back over. Considering he’s been passed by Ellis and would likely be the #4 guy on the depth chart if he stayed in the Blues org, I could absolutely see him preferring to play in the KHL than AHL.

[IsDurbanodoingtime]

All excellent comments & thoughts on this thread! And I particularly like the consideration for the puck-handling ability.
So, assuming we can extend Hofer which is likely the best move right now, maybe if/when there is a short-term injury situation early in the season with a skater out front, we could call up Ellis have 3 goalies onboard and see how he looks for a couple of games? I realize that every in-season game is important from early to end, but pre-season games just are not the same with what opposing teams put out there. I know the experts are good at evaluating how a minor or junior player are progressing, but there's nothing like being thrown in the deep-end. And if all goes well, then management will have a stronger position from which to deal if needed as next year progresses.

Agreed. The Blues need to find a way to get Ellis into a handful of NHL games this season, similar to how Hofer got 6 games the season before he took over as backup. That said, both Binner and Hofer have both been perfectly healthy the 2 years they’ve been a tandem. For the Blues sake, hopefully they continue to stay healthy but if that happens again, then like you suggest, the Blues would have to get creative with the roster and possibly ruffle feathers to get Ellis into some games.

I’ll also note that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to draft a goalie this summer. But they better not use their 1st to do so as I’m just not a fan of Ravensbergen (really the only goalie with a chance to go in the 1st this summer). And the Blues only have a 5th and 6th after that (for now anyway) so it might not happen but they haven’t drafted a goalie since they took Cranley 5 years ago.

I also think there’s a good chance they’re going to lose Zherenko and need to add another AHL caliber guy this summer. Zherenko is a pending RFA. Moscow Dynamo owns his KHL and their coach said a couple weeks ago they’re going to try to get him to come back over. Considering he’s been passed by Ellis and would likely be the #4 guy on the depth chart if he stayed in the Blues org, I could absolutely see him preferring to play in the KHL than AHL.

A good later pick imo is Kam Hendrickson. Was in Omaha and then finished out in Waterloo. I think he is a Princeton commit but reminds me a little of Binner. Got a chip on his shoulder after being passed up last year.

[STL fan in MN]

All excellent comments & thoughts on this thread! And I particularly like the consideration for the puck-handling ability.
So, assuming we can extend Hofer which is likely the best move right now, maybe if/when there is a short-term injury situation early in the season with a skater out front, we could call up Ellis have 3 goalies onboard and see how he looks for a couple of games? I realize that every in-season game is important from early to end, but pre-season games just are not the same with what opposing teams put out there. I know the experts are good at evaluating how a minor or junior player are progressing, but there's nothing like being thrown in the deep-end. And if all goes well, then management will have a stronger position from which to deal if needed as next year progresses.

Agreed. The Blues need to find a way to get Ellis into a handful of NHL games this season, similar to how Hofer got 6 games the season before he took over as backup. That said, both Binner and Hofer have both been perfectly healthy the 2 years they’ve been a tandem. For the Blues sake, hopefully they continue to stay healthy but if that happens again, then like you suggest, the Blues would have to get creative with the roster and possibly ruffle feathers to get Ellis into some games.

I’ll also note that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to draft a goalie this summer. But they better not use their 1st to do so as I’m just not a fan of Ravensbergen (really the only goalie with a chance to go in the 1st this summer). And the Blues only have a 5th and 6th after that (for now anyway) so it might not happen but they haven’t drafted a goalie since they took Cranley 5 years ago.

I also think there’s a good chance they’re going to lose Zherenko and need to add another AHL caliber guy this summer. Zherenko is a pending RFA. Moscow Dynamo owns his KHL and their coach said a couple weeks ago they’re going to try to get him to come back over. Considering he’s been passed by Ellis and would likely be the #4 guy on the depth chart if he stayed in the Blues org, I could absolutely see him preferring to play in the KHL than AHL.

A good later pick imo is Kam Hendrickson. Was in Omaha and then finished out in Waterloo. I think he is a Princeton commit but reminds me a little of Binner. Got a chip on his shoulder after being passed up last year.

I suggested him as a late round stab a year ago after he was sensational in Minnesota HS hockey. It was all him as his team beat previously undefeated Minnetonka go earn a trip to State (Minnetonka was 25-0-2 going into that game).

He’s going to UConn, not Princeton, and did just ok in the USHL this season. But I’d still consider him worthy of a 6th or 7th rd pick. Super nice kid too. Wish him well wherever he ends up.