St. Louis Blues sign goaltender to contract extension

“St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today the team has signed goaltender Colten Ellis to a one-year, two-way contract extension ($775,000 NHL / $85,000 AHL),” released the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday morning.

Ellis, drafted in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues, will have an opportunity to further prove his goaltending skills.

Ellis, 23 years old, still has the youth and will benefit from further coaching and development.

Spending portions of the 2023-24 season in the AHL and ECHIL, his save percentages were .924 and .923 respectively.

Goaltending could be a priority for the St. Louis Blues in the near future

The emergence of Joel Hofer as a potential starter could put the St. Louis Blues in a difficult position. Cup winner and fan favorite Jordan Binnington along with Hofer proved their worth this season.

Do the St. Louis Blues have room for both Binnington and Hofer?

Having two top goaltenders is desirable, but it can create complications due to the need for a single consistent starter.

As a result, Ellis might be considered for a role in the years to come.

“Overall, Ellis has accumulated an 8-12-3 record with a 3.17 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage in 22 career AHL regular-season games,” shared the Blues Press Release.

While the win totals may not be outstanding, Ellis has room for growth and can acquire additional skills because of his young age. Armstrong might consider sending Ellis back to the AHL to assess his progress further.

Being a third-round pick, he can reasonably expect to earn a spot in the NHL one day, a privilege never given freely.

Ellis has gained valuable experience by playing extensively in the QMJHL, ECHL, and AHL. With his sight on an NHL entry,  Ellis will condition himself for such an aspiration. The new contract has allowed Ellis to continue his dream.