The inevitability that Ryan Miller was going to be traded two seasons ago was something I was aware of even before the season had begun. A looming UFA, Miller held value across the league as a quality starting netminder and didn’t fit well with the Sabres rebuild.
That didn’t make it any easier the day he was traded.
Miller received a fair dose of criticism during his time in Buffalo and, to this day, I don’t understand how he was so under-appreciated. Perhaps it was because he was living in Hasek’s shadow for many fans. Maybe it was simply because a “Ryan Miller Shoutout” was unacceptable for some. Either way, when I look back at his time two years removed from his trade, I appreciate the talent we had even more. The post-Briere and Drury years were rife with under-achievement and, frankly, wasted some of the best hockey of Miller’s career.
By no means do I think the Sabres should have kept him, however. Tim Murray made the right decision in moving Miller when he did. It was the right move for the Sabres and it was the right move for Miller as well. I’m glad to see that Miller is playing well in Vancouver and I’m looking forward to seeing him on the ice at First Niagara Center once again.
Perhaps this period of Sabres hockey in which the answer in goal is somewhat cloudy will help clarify Miller’s worth to the organization during his tenure. In the meantime, enjoy this collection of Miller highlights.
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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yqsx6GFW4s&w=560&h=315] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9zE81sjks4&w=420&h=315] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6rGZTybsB4&w=560&h=315] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akIIVHTHd0o&w=560&h=315]This remains my favorite highlight from his career here:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7HMSAYxEuc&w=560&h=315]
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