The Buffalo Sabres have made a strategic move by acquiring goaltender Colten Ellis from the St. Louis Blues via waivers. The 25-year-old goalie was placed on waivers recently after the Blues’ preseason concluded. Drafted in 2019 with the 93rd overall pick, Ellis has yet to make his NHL debut.
Colten Ellis’s Performance and Background
Despite his limited NHL experience, Ellis has shown promising performances in lower leagues. Last season, he posted an impressive record of 22 wins, 14 losses, and 5 overtime losses while achieving three shutouts. His save percentage stood at .922 with the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL. Additionally, he registered a .933 save percentage during the playoffs, going 1-2.
Career Statistics
| League | Record | Save Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| AHL | 30-26-8 | .919 |
| ECHL | 39-27-11 | .904 |
Implications for the Sabres
This latest acquisition marks the third goaltender the Sabres have added since July 1. Earlier in the offseason, they signed Alex Lyon to a two-year contract worth $1.5 million and secured Alexandar Georgiev just before training camp began. With the addition of Ellis, the Sabres bolster their goaltending depth for the AHL’s Rochester Americans.
The organization is already home to Devon Levi and other young talents, Topias Leinonen and Scott Ratzlaff. Additionally, there are concerns regarding starting goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who is currently out week-to-week due to a lower-body injury.
Upcoming Season Outlook
With seven goaltenders under NHL contracts, the Sabres face a depth challenge, but their multitude of options allows for considerable flexibility. The team is set to kick off the season against the New York Rangers on Thursday, followed by a matchup with the Boston Bruins on Saturday. Their home opener is scheduled for October 13 against the Colorado Avalanche, coinciding with the league’s Canadian Thanksgiving schedule.
