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Predators' Ryan Ellis: Sees monster minutes Saturday

Although he didn't factor into the scoring, Ellis still has a respectable five points (all assists) in eight games to start the season. He will continue to see plenty of scoring chances skating opposite Roman Josi, both at even strength and on the power play.

Predators' Ryan Ellis: Two straight helpers to start season

Ellis missed the first three months of last season after undergoing knee surgery, but he was the Preds' most productive defenseman during the second half, notching 32 points in just 44 games -- a 60-point pace over a full season. While that is probably unsustainable, Ellis is certainly surrounded with enough elite-level talent that you should be able to count on him for 40-plus easily, with plenty of upside.

Predators' Ryan Ellis: Garners massive eight-year deal

Ellis has been a consistent two-way presence for the Preds ever since he emerged as a full-timer in the 2013-14 campaign. The team's 11th overall selection from the 2009 draft accumulated 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) over 44 regular-season games to complement an immaculate plus-26 rating last year. As the type of player who will do anything for his team, Ellis has also accrued 302 hits and 558 blocked shots over 396 career contests. Factor in how the Predators have been a playoff team in four straight years and you're looking at a legit No. 1 fantasy option from the blue line.

Predators' Ryan Ellis: Contract extension should come soon

Predators GM David Poile added, "Ryan just got married, so we'd like to give him a gift." Ellis' presence in Nashville over the past seven years has been a present for the Western Conference club. The industrious two-way rearguard has accumulated 55 goals, 118 assists and a plus-76 rating to complement heavy defensive totals -- including a plus-76 rating, 302 hits and 558 blocked shots -- over 396 career NHL contests. An alternate captain, Ellis will certainly command a big payday after securing $2.5 million AAV over a five-year deal that he procured in October of 2014.

Predators' Ryan Ellis: Comfortable in Nashville

The two-way defenseman has one year left on a five-year, $12.5 million contract. A robust shooting percentage (8.2) from the regular season resulted in nine goals for Ellis, plus he set up 23 more through 44 games of an injury-shortened campaign. The sixth-year skater was unable to find the back of the net in the playoffs, though he did garner five helpers. At 27 years old, Ellis should have plenty of hockey left in him and if he stays in Smashville, then expect him to log around 23.5 minutes per contest.