 On July 19, 2011, in the off-season, Ellis signed a multi-year contract extension with the Sabres.During the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, Ellis was again waived and was sent to the AHL's Rochester Americans after six games played with Buffalo.After 12 points in 35 games with the Americans, Ellis opted to remain with the Sabres organization, signing a two-year, two-way contract extension on July 3, 2013.