Providence goaltender Nick Ellis has agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers, reports Andy Strickland.
The 22-year-old junior posted a .936 save percentage through 36 games for Providence this season. It was the first season where he took the bulk of the starts for Providence.
He spent the last two seasons behind Flames prospect Jon Gillies and had to replace one of collegiate hockey’s best. He stepped up to the plate and now he’s stepping out.
Ellis led Hockey East in goals against average and save percentage this season. Strickland reports that Ellis was planning on returning to school for his senior year until this week, after a few teams “came on strong.”
His contract will start in the 2016-17 season.
Dustin Nelson is the News Editor for The Hockey Writers. He’s a contributor to Hockey Prospectus, Hockey Wilderness, and writes a column for Rotowire. He’s also written for Gone Puck Wild, Wild Xtra, InDigest, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Tiny Mix Tapes, Prefix Magazine & other publications. Have a tip? Email him at dlukenelson[at]gmail[dot]com.