One of the most intriguing names at St. Louis Blues camp this season is Colten Ellis. After a breakout season for the Springfield Thunderbirds, where he posted a .922 save percentage and a 2.62 goals against average in 42 games. He also put up decent numbers in the Thunderbirds' playoff series loss to the Providence Bruins, recording a .933 save percentage and a 2.32 goals against average.
With such a strong season, fans were interested to see what Ellis would do during camp and the preseason. Sure, there was no chance he'd make the roster, unless an injury occurred. However, it's a good test to see where he stands in his development. What he still needs to work on and how close he is to the NHL. With that being said, it was a mistake by the Blues not to have given Ellis a shot against the Dallas Stars this past Tuesday.
Colten Ellis deserves a chance to prove himself against one of the best teams in the West
So far this preseason, Ellis has played well. In the three games he appeared in, he's stopped 37 of 39 shots. He was perfect in his appearances against the Blackhawks and the Blue Jackets. The only time he let the puck into the back of the net was in the first preseason game against the Dallas Stars. Allowing him to play against the Stars would give him a chance at redemption and to end his preseason on a high note.
The Stars' lineup in the most recent game was much different than the one that took against Ellis. For the Ellis game, the Stars basically ran out their AHL roster. Guys who are on the roster bubble or prospects that the Stars wanted to give ice time to. Yet in Tuesday night's game, the Stars ran out their NHL roster. Guys like Jason Robertson, Mikko Rantanen, Tyler Seguin, etc., were all playing in the game. Allowing Ellies to face that caliber of player will give you a good idea of where he is in his development and how close he is to the NHL.
A clearer understanding of how close Ellis is to the NHL would alter the organization's view of Jordan Binnington. Yes, Binnington is a franchise icon and legend, but his contract is up at the end of next season. If there is one thing Blues coach Jim Montgomery is famous for, it is running a two-goalie system. Binnington is going to want to get paid like a top goaltender, which would solidify him as the primary goalie and go against what Montgomery likes to do.
If Ellis played well against the Stars, it would show he's closer to the NHL. Thus making a potential breakup with Binnington much easier. The Blues could move on from the franchise legend and feel comfortable knowing that a combination of Joel Hofer and Ellis could produce similar numbers to Binnington at a fraction of the cost. Allowing them to allocate that money elsewhere and give the Blues the pieces needed to become a true contender again.
Although it may seem like nothing, sitting Ellis in this past game was a mistake by the Blues. They missed out on an opportunity to see just what this young goaltender can do.