Predators send 2009 top draft pick back to juniors

Defenseman Ryan Ellis, the Nashville Predators’ top pick in this past June’s draft, was reassigned to his junior club, Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League, on Thursday.

Ellis played in one preseason game and did not register a point.

He helped Windsor to the Memorial Cup title last season and will be one of that team’s top players again this season.

The Predators selected him 11th overall.

With two preseason games remaining, there are 34 players on the roster.