Ryan Miller has been with the Buffalo Sabres organization since he got drafted by the organization 138th overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. At this point in his career is his time in upstate New York be coming to an end?
Miller has a terrible win-loss record, yet that’s more a product of his team than his actual play, he has a 2.96 GAA and a .909 save percentage. He is still an upper echelon goalie that many teams would like on their roster.
If the Sabres decided to go into all out rebuilding mode, who are some teams that could make a move for Miller? From sources around the league, there are three teams interested in Miller.
First are the Detroit Red Wings. Starter Jimmy Howard is solid though by this acquisition from the Sabres it’s an upgrade. Howard’s contract will expire if the eam decides two goalies are better than one and can decide who will stay on the roster next season. It also gives the chance for Miller to play in his home state and alongside his younger brother Drew Miller.
The Anaheim Ducks are also in the hunt and have seeen great work thus far this season with the tandem of Viktor Fasth and Jonas Hiller. Miller gives an opportunity to bring in someone with playoff experience as he has a 25-22 lifetime record with a 2.47 GAA and .917 save percentage. Anaheim truly doesn’t need Miller’s services as their duo gives Anaheim the ability to go deep into the playoffs.
Antii Niemi of the San Jose Sharks is having an outstanding season and looking at the numbers he has a record of 13-8-5 record to go along with 2.30 GAA and .920 save percentage. There’s cap room to bring him in as well and don’t necessarily need to go after Miller.
Another option is that the Sabres hold on to Miller until the off-season when other teams will use their compliance buyout, which will open up more trade partners. Also, with a thin market for goalies his demand will go up. Making keeping him the most beneficial until a move makes sense for the organization.
John is an Assistant Editor and the NHL Senior Writer for The Inscriber Digital Magazine. Follow him on Twitter @JohnnyMacNHL and e-mail him at JohnnyMachurek@gmail.com