Ryan Ellis
An undersized but brilliant offensive defenseman whose hockey IQ and powerful shot made him a cornerstone of the Nashville Predators' rise for nearly a decade.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: January 3·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Ellis defied the traditional prototype for an NHL defenseman. Standing under six feet, he compensated with elite vision, a rocket of a shot, and a competitive fire that burned bright. Drafted by Nashville, he became a central figure in the franchise's golden era, forming one of the league's most effective defensive pairings with Roman Josi. His ability to quarterback the power play and deliver clutch plays in big moments was vital to the Predators' run to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. Though injuries later hampered his career, his impact in Nashville was profound, proving that savvy and skill could outweigh sheer physical stature on hockey's biggest stage.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ryan was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ryan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Ryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a key role in leading the Nashville Predators to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final.
- Won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Championship.
- Recorded a career-high 41 points in the 2018-19 NHL season, demonstrating his offensive prowess.
Did You Know?
He won gold with Canada at both the World U-17 and World U-18 Championships before turning pro.
He was known for having one of the hardest point shots in the NHL during his prime.
He was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2021 as part of a blockbuster deal for defenseman Ryan McDonagh.
“They said I was too small, so I made sure my game was too loud to ignore.”
