The Florida Panthers announced Sunday that 12 players have either been cut or re-assigned to the team’s American Hockey League affiliate in San Antonio.

Heading to San Antonio are: F Connor Brickley, G Sam Brittain, G Michael Houser, F Steven Hodges, D Josh McFadden, F John McFarland, F Brett Olson, D Jonathan Racine, F Logan Shaw and D Shayne Taker.

Forward Joe Basaraba has been released from his professional try-out and defenseman Josh Brown has been released from training camp. Both players, however, have been invited to San Antonio’s training camp.

In addition to these moves, the team also waived veteran backup goaltender Dan Ellis.

Acquired by the Panthers in a deadline deal with the Dallas Stars, Ellis failed to earn a vote of confidence from general manager Dale Tallon after a string of bad starts to end the 2013-14 regular season. In six appearances, Ellis posted a 0-5-0 record with a 4.81 goals-against average and .836 save percentage.

The Panthers signed veteran backup Al Montoya during the offseason to a two-year, $2.1 million contract as a result.

Fighting an uphill battle to retain the backup job, Ellis was open to discussing his unenviable situation on Friday before the team departed for their three-game preseason road trip.

"It’s a decision that was made by Dale (Tallon) and you have to respect that," Ellis said of the Montoya signing. "If I can lose my job in 20 days I don’t see why I can’t gain it back in 20 days. That’s my focus and I don’t really worry about anything else."

If another team doesn’t claim Ellis, he will report to San Antonio and could possibly be recalled during the season if either Montoya or Roberto Luongo are injured.

The Panthers will try for their first win of the preseason when they visit the Dallas Stars on Monday at 8:30 p.m.

You can follow Jameson Olive on Twitter @JamesonCoop or email him at JamesonOlive@gmail.com.