News:Matt Ellis cleared waivers and has been assigned to AHL Rochester.
Analysis: The Sabres needed to free up a roster spot for Robyn Regehr, so the veteran center was sent down to the AHL after failing to record a point in six contests for Buffalo.
News:Matt Ellis has been placed on waivers, WGR550.com reports.
Analysis: With Robyn Regehr (ankle) expected back Sunday, the team had to open room on the roster, so Matt Ellis got the bump. Ellis hasn't recorded a point in six games this season, but there's always a chance another team takes a flier on the 31-year-old winger.
News:Matt Ellis is once again healthy after missing the last 10 games with a knee injury, reports Sabres.com.
Analysis: Coach Lindy Ruff didn't mention if he will be playing Tuesday against the Leafs, but his counting stats (three goals, five assists, 25 PIMs) don't suggest any impending fantasy impact.
News:Matt Ellis (knee) will miss Monday's game against the Canadiens, reports the team's website.
Analysis:Matt Ellis left Saturday's game in Ottawa with the injury and could be out for a while. His fantasy numbers won't do much for your squad, but the Sabres will miss his intangibles during their playoff push.
News:Matt Ellis left Saturday's shootout win in Ottawa in the third period due to a left leg injury, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis:Matt Ellis isn't a big scorer by any means -- just eight points on the season -- but his all-around play recently has been a big boost for the Sabres as the top line has struggled at times. He's needed for a bottom line as the Sabres try to land one of the final playoff spots in the East.
News:Matt Ellis, who has been a healthy scratch for the first three games, will sit again on Saturday night, according to according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis: The Sabres have played a fast-break style of offense in their first three games, a style that doesn't suit Matt Ellis' style of play.
News:Matt Ellis was the lone healthy scratch in Tuesday's exhibition in Germany.
Analysis:Matt Ellis has made the club, but at this point it seems like he's going to be watching the games in street clothes until an opportunity presents itself.
News:Matt Ellis is battling Luke Adam and Cody McCormick to be the final forward to make the Sabres roster before they head to Europe to open the season, according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis:Matt Ellis' attitude and work ethic had Lindy Ruff in love with him, but you can say the same about McCormick. It may come down to financials, and offense, and if it does, Adam would be the choice. However, of the three players, two will likely stay with the team, one in a reserve role. The third guy will likely be sent to AHL Rochester.
News: The Sabres have re-signed Ellis to a multi-year contract, fan590.com reports.
Analysis: Ellis, who went without a point in 14 games with the Sabres this past season, gives the team some depth up front, but is unlikely to achieve much fantasy relevance after having scored just 13 goals in 201 NHL games to date.
News: Ellis was recalled by the Sabres on Saturday, WGR550.com reports.
Analysis: Ellis is up after Jason Pominville suffered what looked like a severe lower body injury during Friday night's Game 5 win over Philadelphia. It figures to be Ellis or Mark Mancari -- who is also with the club but has been a scratch for the first five games of the series -- who will take Pominville's place.
News: Ellis was sent back to Portland on Wednesday, according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis: Ellis was up to fill the void left by the glut of injuries on the wing for the Sabres. Now that Mike Grier and Patrick Kaleta are healthy, Ellis can go down to Portland and help them in the AHL playoffs.
News: Ellis has been recalled by the Sabres from their AHL affiliate in Portland, according to Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News.
Analysis: Ellis is a grinder who is the closest thing the Sabres have to fill the shoes of Pat Kaleta, who is on the shelf with a broken hand. Ellis went pointless in six games earlier with the Sabres, and shouldn't be considered a serious fantasy option as he could very well be back on his way to Portland after Sunday's game.
News: The Sabres sent Ellis back to their AHL affiliate in Portland on Saturday, according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis: Ellis did not earn a point in his six appearances while with the Sabres.
News: Ellis was recalled by Buffalo on Saturday, according to WGR550.com.
Analysis: Ellis will replace injured Drew Stafford in the lineup. He has been very good this season in Portland, with three goals and 10 assists in 13 games.
News: Ellis has cleared waivers and will report to Portland (AHL), Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: He'll be one of the first recalled from Portland when the Sabres need forward depth, but Ellis doesn't have a skill set that makes him worth holding onto at this point, even in deeper formats.
News: The Sabres placed Ellis on waivers Monday, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis: Ellis set career highs nearly across the board last season, but he was never more than a fourth-liner for Buffalo with very little fantasy value.
News: The Sabres and Ellis agreed to terms on a one-year contract on Tuesday, according to the Sabres website.
Analysis: Ellis had career highs in games played (72), points (13), and assists (10) last season for Buffalo. He should see time on the fourth line for the Sabres, but carries very little value in fantasy leagues.
News: Sabres LW Matt Ellis scored a goal during Friday's game against the Maple Leafs. Ellis chased Vesa Toskala after his wrist shot went in from the left circle with 7:12 left in the second to make it 4-1. It was his second goal and first since Oct. 21.
Analysis: Ellis went 21 games without a point before lighting the lamp on Friday. That should clue you in to his Fantasy appeal -- he has none. Ellis is way more important to the Sabres than Fantasy owners.
News: Sabres LW Matt Ellis returned to the lineup Wednesday against the Panthers after missing one game with a quad injury. He scored a goal and finished at plus-2. Buffalo went up 3-0 at 4:37 in the first on Ellis' goal as he beat Tomas Vokoun with a slap shot. Ellis has three points during a three-game point streak.
Analysis: Ellis has a point in half of his games this season and is providing a nice presence on the left side of the ice. However, we don't expect his offensive pace to continue. Ellis has minimal Fantasy appeal despite the goal.
News: Sabres C Adam Mair played in his first game of the season on Saturday against Atlanta after having hip surgery. He replaced C Matt Ellis, who is out with a quad contusion.
Analysis: Ellis had a career-high seven goals and 12 points in 45 games with the Sabres in 2008-09. He has pretty much just bounced around as a lower-line forward and has little to no Fantasy appeal even when healthy
News: The Sabres re-signed forward Matt Ellis to a one-year deal Thursday. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Analysis: Ellis had a career-high seven goals and 12 points in 45 games with the Sabres in 2008-09. He has pretty much just bounced around as a lower-line forward and has little to no Fantasy appeal.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sabres C Matt Ellis, scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in July, said he wants to stay in Buffalo. The 27-year-old had seven goals in 45 games last season. "I think it was a good fit for me -- it's close to home and I enjoyed my time there," he said.
Analysis: Ellis had a goal in each of his last two games, but that likely won't be enough to land him a mega deal. He has just 10 goals and 10 assists in 115 NHL games with the Red Wings, Kings and Sabres. He is pretty much just a rotational forward and has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: Sabres LW Matt Ellis scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Tuesday's game against the Maple Leafs. Ellis skated out from the corner and managed to slip a weak shot through Justin Pogge at 17:44 of the first period to give Buffalo a 3-0 lead. Ellis, who has five scores on the season, has one goal and three assists in six games.
Analysis: Ellis has been a regular for the Sabres since late December, but is still seeing most of his playing time on the lower lines. Ellis might get a little more PT with his strong play, but he will likely level out shortly. Don't jump on the Fantasy bandwagon just yet.
News: Sabres LW Matt Ellis scored a goal during Tuesday's 4-2 win against the Senators. The Sabres appeared ready to run away with the game after Ellis opened the scoring 15 seconds in when he was set up in high slot by Paul Gaustad, who forced a turnover at the left boards. He now has three goals and one assist in his last two games.
Analysis: Ellis has scored four times since his recall in late December and has been a decent contributor on the lower lines despite seeing less than 10 minutes on most nights. Ellis might get a little more PT with his strong play, but he will likely level out shortly. Don't jump on the Fantasy bandwagon just yet.
News: Recent call-up LW Matt Ellis scored his second and third goals of the season to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-2 win over Boston on Saturday, snapping the Bruins' 10-game winning streak and handing them their first home loss since late October. "I try to make the most of each day I spend in the National Hockey League," Ellis said. "I definitely love it here. It's the best league in the world and I'm trying to do everything I can to stay."
Analysis: Ellis, recalled from Portland of the AHL on Dec. 8, spent the first six weeks with the club before going to the minors due to limited space on the roster. Ellis started last year with Detroit before being claimed on waivers by Los Angeles. After starting in training camp with the Kings, he was claimed on waivers by the Sabres on Oct 1. He has no Fantasy value at this time, even with this solid outing.
News: The Sabres recalled D Chris Butler and Matt Ellis from Portland of the AHL Friday. To clear room on the roster, the Sabres placed left wing Nathan Gerbe on injured reserve. He is expected to miss two weeks with an upper-body injury.
Analysis: Butler is considered one of the Sabres' top defensive prospects, but he could be with the team for a short period and has little to no Fantasy value at this time. Ellis is just organizational depth and has no Fantasy value.
News: The Sabres activated center Jochen Hecht from injured reserve Friday before their game against Atlanta. Hecht missed 10 games after breaking his right middle finger against the New York Islanders on Oct. 13. To make room for Hecht on the 23-man roster, Buffalo waived center Matt Ellis in advance of sending him to Portland of the AHL.
Analysis: Ellis, who was claimed off waivers from L.A., didn't have a point in seven games with Buffalo. He took just nine shots on net. Ellis is nothing more than organizational depth and can be ignored in Fantasy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports a position that's traditionally been solid for the Sabres has suddenly become razor-thin. For the last few years, Buffalo has always had strong play at center, with plenty of quality depth in reserve. But with Jochen Hecht and his broken finger joining Tim Connolly (back) and Paul Gaustad (thumb) in the infirmary, the Sabres are now down to their seventh center. Hecht's second-period injury against the New York Islanders on Monday paved the way for Matt Ellis to spend some time in the middle of the ice against the New York Rangers Wednesday. Ellis, who had eight points in 54 combined games last year with Detroit and Los Angeles, was claimed off waivers from the Kings at the beginning of October. "There's definitely a lot of excitement," the 27-year-old said. "It's a nice opportunity to step in. It's unfortunate what happened to Jochen but it's all part of the game, part of a good team having guys who can jump in and do a good job."
Analysis: One area where Ellis and the rest of the Sabres' pivots want to improve is in the faceoff circle. Buffalo won just 20 of the 60 draws against the Islanders. "It's just a little part of the game, but it's the details like that that set the good teams apart," Ellis said. Ellis is nothing more than roster depth for Buffalo and can be ignored in Fantasy since he will likely be back to being a healthy scratch once everyone is healthy.
News: The Sabres claimed LW Matt Ellis off waivers from the Kings on Wednesday.
Analysis: Ellis, 27, started last season with the Red Wings but was claimed off waivers by the Kings on Feb. 21. He picked up eight points (three goals) in 54 games between the teams. He has played 70 career NHL games. Ellis is nothing more than roster depth and can be ignored in Fantasy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports LW Matt Ellis made his debut with the Kings Saturday against the Blackhawks. Ellis, was claimed off waivers by the Kings from the Detroit Red Wings, did not record a point and finished at plus-1.
Analysis: Ellis played on the fourth line Saturday and will likely spend most of his time on the lower lines. He had six points in 35 games with the Red Wings this season. He has played in just 52 NHL games in two seasons and still has a lot of maturing to do. Consider him a Fantasy reserve at this time.
News: LW Matt Ellis did not dress Tuesday against Atlanta. He has been a healthy scratch the last four games.
Analysis: Ellis doesn't have a point in the last 12 games he played in and has just one since his November recall. Ellis has logged just 46 games in his two-year career and is still fresh to the NHL game. He is a low on the totem pole in Detroit and is nothing more than a Fantasy reserve when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Red Wings C Matt Ellis avoided serious damage when he was hit in the side of the face with a puck Saturday against the Stars that bounced up on him early in the third period. He had only a fat lip, no lost teeth or broken bones.
Analysis: Ellis doesn't have a point in his last 11 games and just one since his November recall. Ellis has logged just 46 games in his two-year career and is still fresh to the NHL game. He is a low on the totem pole in Detroit and is nothing more than a Fantasy reserve when healthy.
News: Detroit LW Matt Ellis returned to the lineup Saturday against the Coyotes after missing three games due to headaches. He did not record a point in 5:16 and finished at minus-1.
Analysis: Ellis has logged just 30 games in his two-year career and is still fresh to the NHL game. He is a low on the totem pole in Detroit and is nothing more than a Fantasy reserve when healthy.
News: Red Wings LW Matt Ellis (head) did not play Thursday against the Lightning. He has now missed two straight games.
Analysis: Ellis has logged just 29 games in his two-year career and is still fresh to the NHL game. He is a low on the totem pole in Detroit and is nothing more than a Fantasy reserve when healthy.
News: Detroit LW Matt Ellis didn't play against Calgary Tuesday because of headaches, and Red Wings C Tomas Kopecky was scratched due to a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Ellis is especially helpful in formats which use the plus/minus category when he does get playing time.
News: RW Aaron Downey and C Matt Ellis were healthy scratches against St. Louis on Wednesday but will be inserted into the line for Thursday's game in Nashville.
Analysis: When playing with Detroit, Downey is only worth a look in the deepest of Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes. Consider leaving him off Fantasy rosters until he sees regular minutes. Ellis, meanwhile, is especially helpful in formats which use the plus/minus category when he does get playing time.
News: Matt Ellis and Aaron Downey sat out for Detroit at Edmonton on Tuesday.
Analysis: Ellis is especially helpful in formats which use the plus/minus category when he ddoes get playing time.
News: Matt Ellis scored his second NHL goal in Wednesday's game against Roberto Luongo and the Canucks, extending his points streak to four games. He has earned more ice time with hard work in practice. "Ellis has gone from a guy who played very little to not dressing, to playing to playing well, to having three or four points and being plus-four," coach Mike Babcock told the Detroit Free Press. "It's called working."
Analysis: Ellis is getting steady playing time and producing enough offense to be considered in deeper Fantasy leagues right now. He is especially helpful in formats which use the plus/minus category.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: Matt Ellis put the Red Wings ahead with his first NHL goal on a no-look backhand with 12:26 to play, and Detroit rallied for a 4-2 victory Thursday night in a telling postseason rematch.
Analysis: Ellis, a solid minor-league scorer who couldn't find the net in his first 21 NHL games, got his first goal without even facing the net. He simply flipped the puck in Evgeni Nabokov's direction while being checked midway up the boards -- and it somehow got past defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic and the bewildered goalie. "It was nice to see the replay, so I knew how it got in," said Ellis, who hadn't yet checked to see whether his wife and new baby stayed up late to watch the game on TV. "My intention was to put the puck in the paint, and I thought one of the guys driving the net would throw it in." He remains useful only in the deepest of Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: The Detroit News is seeing an increase role from coach Mike Babcock, even skating on the team's top scoring line on Monday at Anaheim for a brief period. He earned his first NHL point on an assist on Henrik Zetterberg's goal.
Analysis: Ellis took advantage of the fact Babcock benched Jiri Hudler and might have bought himself some additional ice time in the future. However, he remains useful only in the deepest of Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: C Matt Ellis made his season debut Monday against Edmonton. He played in 16 games for the Wings last season.
Analysis: Ellis, who is out of minor league options, is still not worth a look in any Fantasy leagues, as he'll likely spend more time sitting than playing.
News: Ellis has won a roster spot with the Detroit Red Wings after a strong showing in the preseason. "You never know for sure, and not knowing what to expect make it that much harder," Ellis told the Detroit News. "At the same time, it's hard to describe the feeling when they told me (he'd made it)."
Analysis: Ellis, who was out of minor league options, is still not worth a look in any Fantasy leagues, as he'll likely spend more time sitting than playing.
News: Josh Langfeld, Matt Ellis and Matt Hussey, recalled from Grand Rapids (AHL) within the last two days, played together on one forward line Friday and provided good energy, cycling the puck well and creating some scoring chances.
Analysis: None of these players are recommended Fantasy options at this time.
