The hottest name in the trade rumor cyclone has been Ryan Miller since the season ended in 2013. Playing in the final year of a cap “unfriendly” contract, it has been widely speculated that the rebuilding Sabres would be dumping salary and their franchise goaltender for some value before he bolted via free agency this summer.
Even the most optimistic of Sabre fans had to expect that the former “Pride of America” and 2010 Olympic MVP would be surplus to the long-term plans in Buffalo. Miller, who will turn 34 in July, still seems to have some gas left in his tank. While he leads the NHL with 21 losses thanks to the club that employs him, his save percentage is top five in the NHL.
There have been the flashes throughout the season from Miller to show that he is still a top-flight option. A team looking to strengthen its stable of goaltending or even solve any net minding issues could certainly use a proven commodity like Ryan Miller. Where he’ll end up is anyone’s guess, but here are the top five options.
Washington Capitals:The Caps have to be considered as the team at the front of the Miller sweepstakes. Inconsistent play from Braden Holtby has left goaltending as a position of weakness that Miller could fill nicely. The Capitals have more issues than just goaltending, but in a buyer’s market wouldn’t have to give up too much to get him. Enjoy Buffalo, Martin Erat.
St. Louis Blues: Though goaltending isn’t an area that St. Louis is necessarily hurting, the Blues have been in the discussion from the beginning for Ryan Miller’s services. The common theory is that Brian Elliott would be heading to Buffalo along with another player or draft pick. The Blues look like a Stanley Cup contender even without the deal, but with high expectations in a franchise seeking it’s first championship, the Blues could pull the trigger in a panic.
Ottawa Senators: Craig Anderson was outstanding a year ago, but has been in poor form throughout the year. Consistent goaltending from Miller would give coach Paul MacLean one less thing to worry about as the Senators are in a heavy race for one of the final playoff spots. General manager Bryan Murray has never been shy about pulling out the blockbuster deal and Ottawa has some young players that Buffalo would want in return.
New York Islanders: Five consecutive losses could have played the Islanders out of the playoff picture, but getting a big name in goal could spark a turnaround in the last 25 games. Only Edmonton has given up more goals than the Isles and the relationship between Long Island and Buffalo was good enough for a trade earlier this year. Don’t sleep on those pesky Isles!
Toronto Maple Leafs: They are the hottest team in the NHL right now, but they have a bottom four defense which has to concern GM Dave Nonis if the Leafs want to make a legitimate run at Lord Stanley’s Cup. You would have to think that James Reimer would be the goaltender heading the other way with Jonathan Bernier put back into his familiar role backing up a future Hall of Fame player. With the disastrous collapse in the final minutes of last year’s playoffs, Toronto could toss their name into the discussion in order to avoid a similar fate.