4 Ryan Ellis D

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.

Predators' Ryan Ellis: Furthers scoring streak

Ellis has now picked up an assist in three consecutive games, giving him a total of five through eight postseason contests. A key component of Nashville's talented defensive corps, Ellis has averaged over 25 minutes of time on ice during the playoffs, with 2:24 of that ice coming on the power play.

Predators' Ryan Ellis: Fine after taking skate to face

Chariot tripped over Ellis, inadvertently kicking his leg out and cutting Ellis very close to his left eye. Fortunately, the Predators defenseman, who picked up a secondary assist over 19:43 of ice time, avoided a serious injury and only ended up missing a few shifts following the scare. He should be just fine for Game 2 on Sunday.