Colten Ellis

September 2026 – Ellis played a backup role and looked very good doing it. He could start in the AHL or make the NHL as a backup again. Either way, Ellis is looking like a legitimate NHL backup in the near future, and as goalies are so unpredictable, he could still grow his game even more. If he rocks the AHL again with a .922+ SV%, Buffalo could look to trade Ellis to teams looking for backups with upside, or trade one of their other goalies and bet on Ellis themselves. An interesting backup option. If you can still stash him, you might as well if you want a goalie who could be getting consistent NHL games within two years. Markus R

October 2025 – The Buffalo Sabres claimed Ellis off waivers from the St. Louis Blues on October 6, 2025, adding another option in net due to injury uncertainty with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to start the 2025-26 season. The 23-year-old Ellis has not played an NHL game in his career, but played well last season with the Springfield Thunderbirds in the American Hockey League.

Ellis joins the Sabres as a backup-depth option to start the 2025-26 campaign. Alexander Georgiev was placed on waivers on October 7, 2025. Ellis will, at worst, be Buffalo’s number three goaltender, but if UPL were to be sidelined to start the season, Ellis would jump right into the Sabres lineup as Alex Lyons’ backup.

From a fantasy hockey perspective, Ellis is a low-risk, low-cost sleeper with upside. His immediate value depends on injuries and performance in Buffalo’s crease. He should be rostered in dynasty leagues as an intriguing long-term option if he can seize an opportunity. However, in yearly/redraft leagues, he can be left on the waiver wire until further notice. Mark Henry

June 2025- Colten Ellis continued his steady progression and earned himself a two-year contract with the St. Louis Blues in the process. The 24-year-old suited up solely for the Springfield Thunderbirds after seeing ECHL action in each of the last three seasons. His 2.63 goals against average, .922 save percentage, and 22-14-5 record show steady improvement over the last several years. The enigmatic Jordan Binnington has a solid hold on the Blues’ crease, with Joel Hofer earning his place as his backup. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Ellis hold the fort down in Springfield until an opportunity presents itself at the NHL level. Alex Wyatt

January 2024 – So far, this season has been significantly better for Ellis compared to the last one. His 2.45 goals-against average and 92.3% save percentage in 21 ECHL games rank him second and first, respectively, among goalies with at least 20 games played. Such impressive stats have earned him a call-up to the AHL, where he has played only one game thus far. Cedrick Blais-Turcotte

June 2023 – Ellis had a tough season last year. After not making the cut for the AHL, he struggled in a 1A/1B setting with the Tulsa Oilers. Ellis’ path to the NHL is increasingly challenging with Zherenko’s arrival in North America and Hofer’s recent performance. Cedrick Blais-Turcotte 

June 2022 – In his first professional season, Ellis showed real progress. He played most of the season with the Worcester Railers of the ECHL, playing the most games of any U-22 goalie in the league with 34. He ranked seventh amongst U-22 goalies with a .905% save percentage. If things shake right with the likely departure of Ville Husso, Ellis should be in line to play more games in the AHL next season, possibly even securing a full-time spot. Gordon Munro

June 2019 – Ellis’ .910 save percentage was fifth among goaltenders that played more than 30 games in the QMJHL this year. He was one of the pillars on Oceanic Rimouski, along with Alexis Lafreniere, that helped them finish with 92 points in the standings. Ellis would raise his game in the playoffs recording a .919 save percentage, which was third-best in the QMJHL. Sam Stern