Predators' Ellis will miss at least the next 5 games with lower-body injury

The NHL-leading Nashville Predators will be without key second-pairing defenseman Ryan Ellis - who is in the midst of authoring something of a breakout season for the surprising Smashvillians - for at least the next five games.

Ellis sustained a lower-body injury Thursday against the Dallas Stars and won't be re-evaluated until after the NHL All-Star break, according to Eric Stromgren of the Tennessean.

The 24-year-old defenseman has managed five goals and 18 points for the Predators, and has been crucial in logging second-pair minutes at even-strength. He's also factored in on Nashville's potent second power-play unit.

Perhaps most importantly, among NHL defenseman who've logged at least 500 minutes at 5-on-5 this season, Ellis ranks among the top-10 in shot attempt differential - alongside the likes of Drew Doughty, Nick Leddy, Duncan Keith, Anton Stralman, Brian Campbell and Kris Letang.