The Ryan Ellis situation was a gray area for almost all of 2021-2022. The Philadelphia Flyers didn’t disclose much information about his injury, and the direction moving forward was dim. Rumors began spreading during the season about Ellis remaining away from the team, not wanting to work with team doctors, and perhaps becoming unhappy with the franchise.
During the Flyers’ 2022 Break Up Day, Ellis spoke with the media for the first time in months. He provided details about his recovery situation and optimism ahead of the next season.
Summer Plans
Ellis said he’s been working with doctors and the staff to create a plan in order to be ready for training camp.
“In the next month or so, I plan to start getting more and more active in the gym. Skating is my job, so I wouldn’t doubt a couple weeks later getting on the ice, get moving again. It’s just a process that needs to unfold because I haven’t skated much.”
Ryan Ellis; 4/30/2022
Ellis didn’t describe the exact type of injury he’s been dealing with. He said it’s a “multilayered” issue with the pelvic region.
“It’s multilayered, but surgery at the moment isn’t part of the equation. Again, I’m not a doctor, I don’t want to confuse. It’s, I guess, the complex of the whole pelvic region, more or less. It’s hard to pinpoint everything.”
Ryan Ellis; 4/30/2022
Squashing Rumors
Ellis wants to be in Philadelphia, despite rumors that swirled around about him not wanting to.
“I just want to play here. I want to be part of the solution here. My family loves it here, my kids love it here.”
Ryan Ellis; 4/30/2022
He also mentioned that it’s been the hardest season of his career and that this year was also the most excited he’s been to play.
“This year was the most excited I’ve been for hockey. New team, new city, new fans, new building, you name it; everything was new and exciting.”
Ryan Ellis; 4/30/2022
Looking Onward
Although Ellis provided hopeful news about his situation, it’s still not guaranteed that he’ll be ready for training camp or even the start of the season. If everything goes to plan and he’s ready for puck drop; the Flyers will be much better with Ellis in the lineup.
Ellis is a massive upgrade on defense, which was why he was acquired last summer. He and Ivan Provorov clicked in the first few games, and the Flyers looked like a competitive team. Ellis bolsters the defense and is a crucial, game-changing defenseman.
Chuck Fletcher still has a lot on his plate heading forward with his “aggressive retool”, but having Ryan Ellis come out personally and clear the air about his situation can make us all breathe a bit easier.
(Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)
