Nashville Predators activate Ryan Ellis

The Nashville Predators are one of the most impressive stories of the season so far. After a brutal first half during which they went 11-16-1, there were questions about GM David Poile’s job security, and many were left wondering just how many of their core pieces they would sell at the deadline. Since then, the Predators are 11-2-0 and now securely in a playoff spot in the Central Division.

Still, there are questions about whether they can hold that playoff spot given how many injuries they are dealing with. Saturday at least was a good day in that respect, as Ryan Ellis has been activated from injured reserve and will make his return to the lineup. Ellis hasn’t played since Feb. 28 and has just nine points through 21 games this season.

Ellis is one of the most important players Nashville has however, and his return is certainly a welcome one. The Predators tweeted out the long list of scratches that now includes Tyler Lewington, Filip Forsberg, Brad Richardson, David Farrance, Mathieu Olivier, Eeli Tolvanen, Alexandre Carrier, Luca Sbisa, Dante Fabbro, Kasimir Kaskisuo, Tommy Novak, Mark Borowiecki, and Matt Duchene.

Considering all those unavailable players, the Predators recalled Michael McCarron and Rem Pitlick from the taxi squad.