On Thursday, the Los Angeles Kings picked left wing Matt Ellis off of waivers from the Red Wings.
Ellis, who played in 35 games with two goals and four assists for Detroit this season, was made available when he was placed on waivers after Wednesday’s practice.
Unfortunately for Ellis he wasn’t working into the team’s short-term plans and beyond.
“He was in a situation where I wasn’t using him,” coach Mike Babcock said. “He’ll go to LA and try to win a job there. If he’s a fit for them then that’s all the power to him. The bottom line is that he just wasn’t fitting in on a regular basis and getting into the lineup.”
Ellis, 26, had become an immensely popular player among teammates, but that didn’t translate into increased minutes. He logged fewer than six-minutes per game, and played in only two of the last 10 contests.
“We love him as a guy,” Babcock said. “We love his work ethic. We love his determination. I think he’s going to play in the NHL for a long time.”
Detroit Red Wings - News: Ellis put on waivers, claimed by LA Kings - 02/21/2008
Ellis put on waivers, claimed by LA Kings 
