The Sabres have announced that they have re-signed veteran forward Matt Ellis to a one-year deal that will pay him $625,000 in the NHL and $105,000 if he's in Portland. Ellis made $500,000 last year before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Ellis, who turned 29 Tuesday, set career highs in games played (72), points (13) and assists (10) last season as a fourth-liner. He also scored a goal in Game Two of the playoff series against Boston.
Ellis is a favorite of coach Lindy Ruff and has been a popular player in the locker room since being claimed off waivers from Los Angeles in 2008. General Manager Darcy Regier had indicated last month that the team had opted to not bring back Ellis and Adam Mair and had not approached them about contracts, either for Buffalo or Portland. With a wealth of forwards already on hand, it's certainly feasible for Ellis to serve as forward depth here and a veteran presence in Portland.
---Mike Harrington
(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)
