Former Florida Panthers‘ 1st round pick in the 2007 draft (#10 overall) defenseman Keaton Ellerby(4) accepted his first 2-way contract since his three-year entry level deal from Winnipeg Jets to continue with the team after scoring just 2 goals and 4 assists in 51 NHL games last season.
The big 6’4″ 220 lbs. blue liner has never been much to connect with the score sheet producing only 4 goals and 22 assists in 211 contests with a -12 rating.
Through three early career AHL stints he fared slightly better in 152 games (11-36-47).
Now that he’s beginning a new season in the lower league with affiliate St. John’ IceCaps, he’s off to a quick start two assists in 2 games and looks to be a valuable leader on a somewhat young roster.
With the parent club faltering some out of the gate, the still super-young almost 26-year old could get another look early, especially if he can continue contributing.
Original story: 10/12-14
He did get a one game NHL appearance during his second recall of 2014/2015 notching one assist while skating 22 shifts for 16:58 time on ice with one hit, one breakup and one giveaway.
In the AHL he managed to score 3 goals and 13 assists in 41 games.
The still 26-year old will play his 8th season in the KHL with Barys Astana. It will be interesting to see how he does switching shores.
