Preds' Offseason Plan Begins with Ryan Ellis

David Poile has a priority this summer, and it's Ryan Ellis.
The Predators general manager gave an update on the 27-year-old defenseman - who is eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1 - following the NHL Draft on Saturday, stating he had met with Ellis's agent in Dallas as the process continues.
"The meetings are always good. 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 with a laugh.

Poile also added that the status of Ellis is playing a role in what the Predators may or may not do as far as other player movement is concerned heading into free agency and beyond.

"I don't really see us doing anything with our club or making any big changes or trades until we know the status of Ryan," Poile said. "We're going to continue to push forward on that."
No matter how many meetings are left to hold, it seems as though it will only be a matter of time until Ellis is locked up long-term in Nashville, beard and all.
"It's the usual negotiation, but he wants to be with us, we want to have him," Poile said. "It's just a normal negotiation, but again, it's our priority [to get him signed]."