Ellis: I'd make a great backup to Canucks' Schneider
Unrestricted free agent goaltender Dan Ellis took his future into his own hands by emailing Vancouver Province reporter Ben Kuzma to tell him how great a backup he would make to Canucks goalie Cory Schneider.
With free agency several weeks underway, Ellis finds himself without a team to play for. Fearing that the majority of teams had already filled their goaltender spots, Ellis saw an open opportunity in Vancouver.
The Canucks have been in the centre of a whirlwind of trade rumours as starting goaltender Roberto Luongo is being shopped to the league to pave way for the team's future starter Schneider. With the Luongo trade expected to take place prior to the start of the 2012-13 season, Ellis saw a future backup role opening up and wasted no time.
"I would love to back up Cory if the spot becomes available," Ellis said. "Helping young goalies get to their full potential is fun to be a part of. Sometimes just lightening their load makes all the difference in the world."
Ellis has jumped around the league over the last five seasons, playing with four different teams. The 32-year-old understands his role in the league, but he is not ready to call it quits in the NHL and make the transition to Europe.
"I'm still looking and there are some options in Europe, but I think I've got more than enough to give in the NHL," Ellis said.
In 165 career NHL games Ellis has a 72-57-15 record with a 2.68 goals against average and .908 save percentage.
