D PHI
Sat 3/4/17 12:15 PM

Ellis (lower body) will not play Saturday against the Blackhawks, Robby Stanley of NHL.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
In a figurative sense, there's no replacing a guy who averages more than 24 minutes of ice time per game and wreaks havoc on both ends of the rink. Ellis has been flirting with elite status in roto leagues where you win individual categories. In addition to 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 56 games, the defender has potted three goals to complement seven helpers on the man advantage. He's no slouch in his own zone, either, which is backed up by his establishing a new career high of 103 blocked shots this year. Without Ellis, the Preds will turn to Anthony Bitetto, albeit in a far less demanding role.