Predators sign Ryan Ellis to 5-year contract reportedly worth $12.5M
The Nashville Predators finally came to an agreement with restricted free agent Ryan Ellis, signing the defenseman to a five-year contract Thursday.
Ryan Ellis's new contract with NSH is for five years with an AAV of $2.5M.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 25, 2014
Ellis is expected to arrive in Nashville on Friday, ending a contract dispute that lasted the entire offseason. The deal covers the remainder of Ellis's years as a restricted free agent and keeps him with the Predators until 2019, when he will be 28.
Ryan Ellis deal breakdown: 1.5 then 2 then 2.5 then 3 then 3.5
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) September 25, 2014
The deal could end up being a great bargain for Nashville, which selected Ellis 11th overall in 2009. The diminutive blue-liner recorded 27 points in his first full NHL season and was effective on the power play, hinting at the offensive potential that could raise his value well above his $2.5 million cap hit.