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Miller's final days in Buffalo? |
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538 games. Ryan Miller was drafted in 1999 with a 5th round, 138th overall pick. He was 19 at the time.
Today, we're approaching the end of the Miller era. At 33 years old, Miller still has a good chunk of time to continue his NHL career, but it looks more and more likely that he won't be doing that in Buffalo.
This could very well be Miller's final home game for the Sabres. The trade freeze goes into effect in a couple days, and Miller may not be a Sabre by the time the Olympics begin.
With the current team situation, it's necessary to trade Miller, just like it was for Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. I want him to stay, but he's made no progress on signing a deal and is unsure himself if he wants to remain here.
Buffalo isn't going anywhere in short-term, so why bother keeping a goaltender that's going to be frustrated by the team in front of him. The return for Miller would be more beneficial than having him stay.
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Sabres obtain picks/prospects and a goalie for #30. It's going to be a package deal that will help Buffalo continue to rebuild. While a good return is likely, the biggest question from all of it would be the new starting goaltender.
Jhonas Enroth has struggled even when he has received goal support. I still think he's a great backup but he is not a starter. If Miller gets traded, Buffalo needs to get a starting goaltender in return. I know Jaroslav Halak and Jonas Hiller have been mentioned, but it all depends on where Miller wants to go for the most part.
The biggest reason I want him to stay for right now is for the Olympics. It's hard to imagine him on another team when we see him in Sochi. Sabres fans were proud to see that the Team USA starting goaltender was Buffalo's. That could be different this year, and he may not even be the starter.
We've had the privilege of watching one of the best goalies in the world for the past nine seasons, but it's time to move on. Get the best return for him and prepare this team for the future. Look at what we got back for Paul Gaustad, Vanek and Pommers, and think of how beneficial trading Miller can actually be.
Plus, for Miller's own sake, send him to a team that can back him up. The Sabres have left him out to dry far too often. I'd like to see him do well, and that's not going to happen until he's traded.
Enjoy what could be the final days for Miller in Buffalo. We get to watch him on NBCSN once again, since the Sabres are playing the Penguins.
As always, thank you for reading!
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • 
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