Ellis the key to Predators' offseason: report

Ryan Ellis needs a contract extension before the Nashville Predators will pursue other players, general manager David Poile told The Athletic on Saturday.

"I don't see us doing anything with our club in terms of big changes until we know the status of Ryan," Poile told the website. "We need to push forward on that."
The 27-year-old defenseman can become an unrestricted free agent after next season. Nashville can offer him a contract of up to eight years as of July 1.
"I mean, he wants to be with us; we want to have him," Poile said. "It's a normal negotiation."
The report said Poile and Ellis' agent, Rick Curran, resumed talks at the 2018 NHL Draft in Dallas.
"We've almost got it done, we've only got two things to figure out: the length of the term and the amount of money," Poile said jokingly.

Ellis said May 12 he would be interested in signing an extension this offseason. He signed a five-year, $12.5 million contract with the Predators on Sept. 26, 2014, and will make $3.5 million next season.
Ellis, who played 44 games this season following knee surgery Sept. 7, had 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) after returning Jan. 2.
"I love it here," Ellis said. "My fiancee loves it here. I mean, if it was my wish I'd finish my career here so we'll see what happens."
Nashville lost to the Winnipeg Jets in the Western Conference Second Round one season after losing the Stanley Cup Final to the Pittsburgh Penguins.