Ryan Ellis may have completed one of the most accomplished careers in the history of Canadian junior hockey, but with the Predators, who boast that "the road to Nashville goes through Milwaukee", he still needs a bit of seasoning before lining up on an NHL blueline.

Both Jim Diamond and Josh Cooper are tweeting that Ellis has been cut from the Preds' training camp and will begin the season with the Milwaukee Admirals. One has to think that he'll assume a major role with the Ads, and get a chance to show he can handle the speed and physical play at that level before getting another shot with the Predators.

Ryan Ellis

#49 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators

Height: 5-10

Weight: 179

Born: Jan 03, 1991

There's no question that Ellis has a bright NHL future, but Nashville is famously patient with their prospects. Shea Weber & Ryan Suter both paid their dues with the Admirals, and they sure seem to have turned out OK.

Assuming that Kyle Wilson gets assigned to Milwaukee after clearing waivers, these moves would bring the Preds down to 25 players on the roster, including Francis Bouillon and Mike Fisher, who aren't ready to play yet. The Predators could put those two on Injured Reserve, meaning they'd miss at least the first seven days of the season, and keep 23 healthy players, or make another cut or two in the days ahead.