Philadelphia Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher said there is no timetable for Ellis' return and Fletcher said it would be a "bonus" if he played at all in 2022-23 – while also calling it a career-threatening injury a "possibility."
During a media availability on Thursday, Philadelphia Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher said there is no timetable for Ellis' return and Fletcher said it would be a "bonus" if he played at all in 2022-23.
Fletcher said that Ellis suffered a torn psoas muscle last year, which has caused significant hip and core issues for the defenseman. Ellis played in just four games with the Flyers after being moved in a trade from the Nashville Predators during the summer.
When asked if there was a chance that the injury could end the 31-year-old's career, Fletcher called it a possibility.
"I'll just say that my assumption is he won't play this season," Fletcher said. "If he does, it'll be a bonus. That's how we've prepared this offseason by making the additions we did on the blue line."
The Flyers acquired Tony DeAngelo from Carolina during the 2022 NHL draft to address the team's potential hole on the backend.
Ellis has five years and roughly $30 million in salary still remaining on his current contract.
Sean Couturier, who re-injured his back last week, isn't ruled out for the entirety of the season just yet, with the Flyers calling it a "week-to-week" injury.