Colten Ellis
First NHL goaltender from Cape Breton Island.
Colten Ellis (born October 5, 2000) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 93rd overall by the St. Louis Blues in the third round of the 2019 NHL entry draft. Ellis is the first goaltender from Cape Breton Island to appear in an NHL game.
Ellis grew up in River Denys, Nova Scotia, the son of Jo-Ann and Brian Ellis, and one of three children. He started playing with the Whycocomagh Minor Hockey Association, where his father helped him find consistent ice time. His brother Matt and cousin Chase also played in the QMJHL.
He began his amateur career with the Nova Junior X-Men in the Nova Scotia Under-15 Major Hockey League, posting a 2.08 goals-against average (GAA) in 2013–14 and a 1.61 GAA the following season. Moving to the Cape Breton West Islanders of the Nova Scotia Under-18 Major Hockey League in 2015–16, he recorded an .890 save percentage and a 3.70 GAA.
The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles selected Ellis in the fourth round, 59th overall, of the 2016 QMJHL entry draft—a drop from his expected draft position that surprised scouts. After training camp, he was sent back to the Islanders, where he led the team to a provincial championship and a spot in the Telus Cup. The Islanders became the first Nova Scotia team to win the Telus Cup, with Ellis making 43 saves and stopping an overtime breakaway in the final. He finished the tournament with a 2.20 GAA and a .929 save percentage. He also played three games for the Screaming Eagles that season, going 2–0–0 with a 2.50 GAA and an .885 save percentage. In June 2017, the Screaming Eagles traded Ellis to the Rimouski Océanic for a first-round pick in the 2018 QMJHL draft.
With Rimouski in 2017–18, Ellis quickly won the starting job, playing 51 games and leading the team to the playoffs, where they lost in seven games to the Moncton Wildcats. He finished his rookie season first in the league in wins (33) and shutouts (6), and third in GAA (2.35) and save percentage (.913). He won the Raymond Lagacé Trophy as defensive rookie of the year, was named to the All-Rookie team and the second All-Star team, and was a finalist for the RDS Cup as rookie of the year.
In 2018–19, Ellis was selected for the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, stopping 15 of 17 shots in about 30 minutes of play.
- Born
- October 5, 2000
- Birthplace
- River Denys, Nova Scotia
- Position
- Goaltender
- Team
- Buffalo Sabres
- Drafted
- 93rd overall, 2019 NHL entry draft (St. Louis Blues)
Lore & Background
Ellis emerged as one of Atlantic Canada's top young goaltenders while playing for the Cape Breton West Islanders, leading the team and province to its first-ever Telus Cup in 2017. He then played major junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, the Rimouski Océanic, and the Charlottetown Islanders. During his rookie QMJHL season, he won the Raymond Lagacé Trophy as defensive rookie of the year and earned a spot on the all-rookie team. In his final QMJHL season, he tied the career QMJHL shutout record, broke the best goals-against-average season record, and had the fourth-best season save percentage all time. He was also named the best goaltender of the year and earned a spot on the first all-star team.
After signing an entry-level contract with St. Louis in 2021, Ellis began his professional career with the ECHL's Worcester Railers before earning opportunities with the American Hockey League (AHL) Springfield Thunderbirds. Following a subpar performance marked by inconsistent play and a mid-season injury that sidelined him for the rest of the 2022–23 season with the ECHL Tulsa Oilers, Ellis rebounded after relearning his love for hockey. In the following seasons, his statistics and play improved, eventually earning the Thunderbirds' starting role. In October 2025, the Blues placed Ellis on waivers, where he was claimed by the Buffalo Sabres. He made his NHL debut later that month.
Reader's Guide
Colten Ellis's significance lies in his journey from a small Nova Scotia community to becoming the first goaltender from Cape Breton Island to play in the NHL. His early career was marked by leading the Cape Breton West Islanders to a historic Telus Cup victory, the first for a Nova Scotia team. In the QMJHL, he set multiple records, including tying the career shutout record and breaking the single-season goals-against-average record. His professional path included setbacks, such as a mid-season injury and inconsistent play, but he rebounded by rediscovering his passion for hockey and eventually earning a starting role in the AHL. His claim off waivers by the Buffalo Sabres in October 2025 and subsequent NHL debut represent a culmination of his perseverance. Internationally, he has represented the Canada national team. His legacy is defined by his record-setting junior career and his resilience in reaching the NHL.
Did You Know?
- He led the Cape Breton West Islanders to the first Telus Cup win for a Nova Scotia team in 2017.
- In his final QMJHL season, he tied the career shutout record and broke the best goals-against-average season record.
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