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Concussed defenseman Shea Weber is taking part in light skating by himself today, according to the Predators. There is still no timetable for his return from a concussion sustained Dec. 23 against the Dallas Stars. From what we know, this is his first time on ice since Mark Fistric slammed him high in that game.

Weber is certainly taking the first step towards his recovery. While the Preds captain still has no timetable, skating today is certainly a step in the right direction.

Shea Weber
ST. LOUIS Here is today’s Shea Weber news. A little more positivity coming from the Predators on their captain. According to Coach Barry Trotz, Weber is making some strides. He also said Weber may have gotten to a point where he can ride the exercise bike.

Definitely a good update coming out of Nashville but you can expect him to miss a few more games. Sounds like the original prognosis of a return tonight was premature.

Shea Weber
First, and most importantly, Shea Weber left the morning skate early. This rarely happens. In fact, I’ve never seen it happen. Weber was hit hard at the end of Nashville’s Friday game against Dallas, but he did speak to the media following the game. After practice, we asked Coach Barry Trotz about Weber’s situation, and he said he hadn’t spoken yet with his trainers.

Should captain Weber not be able to play tonight, the Preds are expected to put rookie Ryan Ellis in the lineup.

Shea Weber
Trotz liked the improvements of defenseman Ryan Ellis last night: “Ellis was 100 times better than he was in game one,” Trotz said. “He didn’t turn the puck over like he did. His first game he was a turnover machine early, then he started stabilizing. I thought he played a pretty good game.”

With Roman Josi injured, Ellis has a good chance of making the team. The former 11th overall pick scored 24 goals and a resounding 100 points last season in the OHL. He could replace Cody Franson nicely on the bottom pairing.

Ryan Ellis
"We never have been an organization that will rush a guy and we like to say that they're ready when they're ready, and we'll let Ryan determine if he's ready or not."

With Francis Bouillon still injured and the departures of Cody Franson and Brett Lebda, there should be room for the blue-chipper Ellis. He will need to earn a spot over other prospects like Teemu Laaskso and Roman Josi in addition to outplaying vets like Tyler Sloan and Jack Hillen. Could be a very interesting sleeper pick in dynasty/keeper leagues.

Ryan Ellis