Ryan Miller – One of the biggest deals that happened before
the trade deadline saw Ryan Miller and Steve Ott traded to St. Louis for Jaroslav
Halak, Chris Stewart and a 1st round pick in 2015 and a conditional
pick. This deal was made to solidify the Blues’ goaltending which would allow
them to go deep into the Stanley Cup finals.
What was supposed to be Miller Time turned out to be Miller
Lite. In 19 regular season games Miller posted a 10-8-1 record with a 2.47 GAA
and a .907 save percentage. A very subpar performance for a goalie that had a
.923 save percentage and a GAA of 2.72 for the worst team in the league.
Miller posted a horrendous GAA of 2.70 and a save % of 0.897
against the Hawks. With two losses in overtime, Miller was unable to steal a
game for the Blues and looked uncomfortable in net at the best of times.
Thank you Blues fans for supporting us and
especially welcoming me to your city. It is an awesome place to play. Great
passion and pride!
— Ryan Miller (@RyanMiller3039) April
29, 2014
Where does this leave Miller? Will he resign in St. Louis? Is
he Anaheim bound?
St. Louis’ GM Doug Armstrong has already come out and said
that Jake Allen will be with the team next season.
Interesting RT @Jkellyhockey
Doug Armstrong says Jake Allen will be with the Blues next
season.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April
29, 2014
Fantasy Impact: Fantasy Owners should target Jake Allen in
all drafts. He should definitely slide a bit in drafts but he will be given
every chance to win the #1 job in St. Louis. Ryan Miller will look to try and
resign with St. Louis but should available on the first day of free agency for
the highest bidder. Though his perceived value has taken a hit because of a
poor performance, Miller will have to lower his expectations in regards to
salary and destination based on his poor performance in the playoffs.
Anaheim is in a bind with Hiller being a free agent on July
1 and youngsters John Gibson and Frederik Andersen pushing for more playing
time. It will be a crowded crease for the Ducks and may leave Millers’ first
choice out of reach.
The goalie market will definitely be a volatile market and
owners of Miller and Hiller will have to sit patiently and wonder how it will
play out.
Mark