Ty Anderson: No surprises with Bruins' protected players

So Colin Miller or Subban I guess.

Does it make sense that Kevan Miller is protected over Colin Miller?

So Colin Miller or Subban I guess.

Does it make sense that Kevan Miller is protected over Colin Miller?
- DutchSenators

Apparently out of all the D he showed the most promise. C. Miller has a higher ceiling, but I guess Sweeney went with the safer option.


I wouldnt count out McQuaid getting selected either. Really depends on what Vegas is looking for. They also have an AHL team to fill out too which is why I think Subban is their best choice. Immediate starter for their AHL team.

I think it's funny that people have a beef with which Miller was selected. Kevan and Colin had the same number of points last year (13) with Colin playing 3 more games. Kevan is one of our best penalty killers and toughest players, Colin skates fast (tripping over himself half the time) and shoots hard (into the defenders shins). Most importantly, Kevan improved while Colin didn't.

I'd be happy to give Colin another season, or longer. He's a great 3rd pair guy with upside. But I won't be upset if he gets selected. Kevan is clearly the better option right now. He's a good defenseman

I think it's funny that people have a beef with which Miller was selected. Kevan and Colin had the same number of points last year (13) with Colin playing 3 more games. Kevan is one of our best penalty killers and toughest players, Colin skates fast (tripping over himself half the time) and shoots hard (into the defenders shins). Most importantly, Kevan improved while Colin didn't.

I'd be happy to give Colin another season, or longer. He's a great 3rd pair guy with upside. But I won't be upset if he gets selected. Kevan is clearly the better option right now. He's a good defenseman
- Shaundre93

Julien was more willing to give Kevan playing time over Colin, So the improvement factor is a bit skewed.

I dont have any issue with the protection list. Bruins can more than fill the slot of anyone that gets taken with what they have in their pool. And i'm sure getting a 16 million dollar cut of the expansion fee doesnt hurt Jeremy Jacob's feelings at all.

Interesting tidbit that I overlooked completely, Vegas is open to selecting players with the intention of trading them to other teams. For example, they're expected to select four goalies. With that said, I haven't looked at all of the available players from other teams, but I wonder if Sweeney has his eyes on anyone that he may work out a deal with McPhee to select that player and send him this way?

Interesting tidbit that I overlooked completely, Vegas is open to selecting players with the intention of trading them to other teams. For example, they're expected to select four goalies. With that said, I haven't looked at all of the available players from other teams, but I wonder if Sweeney has his eyes on anyone that he may work out a deal with McPhee to select that player and send him this way?
- highstick87

I am willing to bet that McPhee is going to load up on young players, Goalies and D men. Then flip some players for more picks at the draft. McPhee has already stated he wants to build his team through the draft, so what you're saying makes sense. This is part of the reason why I believe Subban will be what McPhee takes from Boston. Vegas will want young players, picks and prospects to start with just enough NHL ready talent to ice a lottery pick team next year.

EXAMPLE: why wouldnt you talk to someone like Chayka from the Yotes and select a goalie for them (Pickard, Mrazek, Neuvirth, Raanta, Grubauer) if they are willing to give you Minnesota's 1st rounder for that goalie at the draft? Vegas holds all the cards and will likely have 15 or more draft picks in this coming draft and likely some next year too. Its going to be an interesting month boys.

Julien was more willing to give Kevan playing time over Colin, So the improvement factor is a bit skewed.

I dont have any issue with the protection list. Bruins can more than fill the slot of anyone that gets taken with what they have in their pool. And i'm sure getting a 16 million dollar cut of the expansion fee doesnt hurt Jeremy Jacob's feelings at all.
- dothedougie

This... remember when K Miller was the worst defender on the team, and they still rolled him out game after game, shift after shift, and we were all scratching our heads? Well where is the same treatment for Colin? Why does he get banished to the press box for 20 games when Kevan is allowed the playing time to "figure it out" night after night?

I think it was dumb to protect Kevan over Colin because there are already too many Kevan Millers on this team. The Bruins have four "stay at home" defenseman types in Chara, Carlo, McQuaid, and KMiller. Why do we need that many stay at home d-men type in todays NHL? Especially if you're in the camp to re-sign Chara after his deal is up (please god no, NOOOOOOOOOOO - Michael Scott), then why the hell are you holding onto ANOTHER stay at home d-man. As an insurance policy for when Chara, or surely McQuaid get's injured?

Kevan may have been the better defenseman up until this point, but he's not getting any better... he's already at his ceiling. Colin is the one that has all of the upside, and fits with todays style of puck rushing defender, has the better shot and the better skating. Why would you let that go instead of another bottom pairing, or AT BEST middle pairing guy?

Maybe this is all moot and Subban will get selected, or maybe they'll work out a side deal not to take Colin... but giving Kevan priority when he's just a complete and total redundancy on your roster was just dumb in my opinion.

This... remember when K Miller was the worst defender on the team, and they still rolled him out game after game, shift after shift, and we were all scratching our heads? Well where is the same treatment for Colin? Why does he get banished to the press box for 20 games when Kevan is allowed the playing time to "figure it out" night after night?

I think it was dumb to protect Kevan over Colin because there are already too many Kevan Millers on this team. The Bruins have four "stay at home" defenseman types in Chara, Carlo, McQuaid, and KMiller. Why do we need that many stay at home d-men type in todays NHL? Especially if you're in the camp to re-sign Chara after his deal is up (please god no, NOOOOOOOOOOO - Michael Scott), then why the hell are you holding onto ANOTHER stay at home d-man. As an insurance policy for when Chara, or surely McQuaid get's injured?

Kevan may have been the better defenseman up until this point, but he's not getting any better... he's already at his ceiling. Colin is the one that has all of the upside, and fits with todays style of puck rushing defender, has the better shot and the better skating. Why would you let that go instead of another bottom pairing, or AT BEST middle pairing guy?

Maybe this is all moot and Subban will get selected, or maybe they'll work out a side deal not to take Colin... but giving Kevan priority when he's just a complete and total redundancy on your roster was just dumb in my opinion.
- mixturebill

I'm just thinking Colin may never get his shot in Boston. Given that both Carlo and McAvoy are on the team now, just seems like they dont seem interested in finding a place for him.

If the D looks like this next year (or something like this)

Chara-Carlo
Krug-McAvoy
K. Miller- X

Then you have quite a few guys looking to fill that spot. If McQuaid is still around, you can bet he will lock up that final spot. Colin will be relegated to the press box....again. Plus you have a number of guys in Providence knocking on the door. Kinda sucks.

This... remember when K Miller was the worst defender on the team, and they still rolled him out game after game, shift after shift, and we were all scratching our heads? Well where is the same treatment for Colin? Why does he get banished to the press box for 20 games when Kevan is allowed the playing time to "figure it out" night after night?

I think it was dumb to protect Kevan over Colin because there are already too many Kevan Millers on this team. The Bruins have four "stay at home" defenseman types in Chara, Carlo, McQuaid, and KMiller. Why do we need that many stay at home d-men type in todays NHL? Especially if you're in the camp to re-sign Chara after his deal is up (please god no, NOOOOOOOOOOO - Michael Scott), then why the hell are you holding onto ANOTHER stay at home d-man. As an insurance policy for when Chara, or surely McQuaid get's injured?

Kevan may have been the better defenseman up until this point, but he's not getting any better... he's already at his ceiling. Colin is the one that has all of the upside, and fits with todays style of puck rushing defender, has the better shot and the better skating. Why would you let that go instead of another bottom pairing, or AT BEST middle pairing guy?

Maybe this is all moot and Subban will get selected, or maybe they'll work out a side deal not to take Colin... but giving Kevan priority when he's just a complete and total redundancy on your roster was just dumb in my opinion.
- mixturebill

All of the above. If you have McQuaid, Chara, Carlo, Mcavoy why expose the dman who actually has potential and keep the forever third pairing dman. Let's hope for you Subban geta picked, will never be better than a backup

All of the above. If you have McQuaid, Chara, Carlo, Mcavoy why expose the dman who actually has potential and keep the forever third pairing dman. Let's hope for you Subban geta picked, will never be better than a backup
- DutchSenators

I don't agree with the notion that Kevan Miller "is what he is". He was the most improved player last year and has been a pro about the same amount of time as Colin, even if he's older. His development reminds me of Boychuk

I don't agree with the notion that Kevan Miller "is what he is". He was the most improved player last year and has been a pro about the same amount of time as Colin, even if he's older. His development reminds me of Boychuk
- Shaundre93

Let's remember that Kevan Miller was the laughing stock of the Bruins for a while... maybe even the laughing stock of the NHL. He definitely is not Johnny Boychuk

Let's remember that Kevan Miller was the laughing stock of the Bruins for a while... maybe even the laughing stock of the NHL. He definitely is not Johnny Boychuk

- mixturebill

I dogged him for a long while. Still not convinced he is on par with the D man Boychuk was when he left. He has improved, I will give him that. Just wish K. Miller didnt have shoulders made of cardboard.

I dogged him for a long while. Still not convinced he is on par with the D man Boychuk was when he left. He has improved, I will give him that. Just wish K. Miller didnt have shoulders made of cardboard.
- dothedougie

Wow... you'd really put K Miller on the same level as Boychuk when he went to the Islanders? I think you're taking crazy pills over there! I think Miller has some of the same characteristics as Boychuk, big physically imposing d-man, but I don't think that Miller has anywhere near the offensive upside as Boychuk had.

Wow... you'd really put K Miller on the same level as Boychuk when he went to the Islanders? I think you're taking crazy pills over there! I think Miller has some of the same characteristics as Boychuk, big physically imposing d-man, but I don't think that Miller has anywhere near the offensive upside as Boychuk had.
- mixturebill

Read what I wrote, "not convinced he is on the same level as boychuk".


*Improved, but not Boychuck*

Read what I wrote, "not convinced he is on the same level as boychuk".


*Improved, but not Boychuck*
- dothedougie

Phhheeewwwww... alright, I misread that because I am dumb. K Miller has definitely improved... no arguing that. But yeah... not on the level of a Boychuk.

Phhheeewwwww... alright, I misread that because I am dumb. K Miller has definitely improved... no arguing that. But yeah... not on the level of a Boychuk.
- mixturebill

Didnt meant to make you sweat bullets there.


At this point though, I am OK with anyone that Vegas chooses to select. I would prefer not to lose Colin Miller, but if the Bruins do, they have replacements.


On a side note, I am really curious to see what trades are in place for Vegas. I hope they land 9 first round picks and dominate the draft. If they play this right, they could end up with a really nice prospect pool right out of the gate.

Didnt meant to make you sweat bullets there.


At this point though, I am OK with anyone that Vegas chooses to select. I would prefer not to lose Colin Miller, but if the Bruins do, they have replacements.


On a side note, I am really curious to see what trades are in place for Vegas. I hope they land 9 first round picks and dominate the draft. If they play this right, they could end up with a really nice prospect pool right out of the gate.
- dothedougie

Yeah that's going to be a delicate balance. It's kind of crazy to look at the names that are available. They seem like if they just selected the best players available, they could be competitive right out of the gate (but that would also leave them with a very minimal prospect pool and a not so bright future). It's going to be interesting to see what good players actually end up in Vegas, and what teams are willing to give up their picks to keep their players.

From everything I've read Nolan & Nico both have a shot at making the NHL next season, but beyond those two, you're going to be waiting 3-4 seasons (estimated) for the rest of the guys to make it to the NHL. I guess Vegas is the one team that might afford some of those guys the opportunity to make the jump to the NHL a little sooner though.

I really wish they'd get rid of the AHL age restrictions. The NHL is worried about keeping the CHL leagues competitive at the sacrifice of their own farm league. I'd like to see the AHL stacked with all of the top round draft picks... it would make the AHL way more exciting to watch.

So Colin Miller or Subban I guess.

Does it make sense that Kevan Miller is protected over Colin Miller?
- DutchSenators

I'm OK with protecting K. Miller. I don't understand protecting Spooner and Nash over C. Miller.

Nash is a nice player, Dan Paille type of guy. Spooner is garbage. I doubt Vegas would take him to begin with. McPhee is smarter than that.

Yeah that's going to be a delicate balance. It's kind of crazy to look at the names that are available. They seem like if they just selected the best players available, they could be competitive right out of the gate (but that would also leave them with a very minimal prospect pool and a not so bright future). It's going to be interesting to see what good players actually end up in Vegas, and what teams are willing to give up their picks to keep their players.

From everything I've read Nolan & Nico both have a shot at making the NHL next season, but beyond those two, you're going to be waiting 3-4 seasons (estimated) for the rest of the guys to make it to the NHL. I guess Vegas is the one team that might afford some of those guys the opportunity to make the jump to the NHL a little sooner though.

I really wish they'd get rid of the AHL age restrictions. The NHL is worried about keeping the CHL leagues competitive at the sacrifice of their own farm league. I'd like to see the AHL stacked with all of the top round draft picks... it would make the AHL way more exciting to watch.
- mixturebill

I think there will be a few surprises from this draft. I understand it isnt like the McDavid or Matthews drafts, but there is still some good talent out there. I see a couple of great D men, and a few forwards that could impress right out of camp. Lots of good projects too.

Where it gets tough is beyond the second round. Usually there are some clear standouts for longer term projects but I dont think it is as clear cut this year. Given the Bruin's defensive prospect pool, I think Sweeney will select a forward with the first rounder if he still has it by the draft.


My targets based on what I have seen:

Forwards:

Nick Suzuki
Ryan Poehling
Kim Kostin
Izaac Ratcliffe
Lias Andersson
Kailer Yamamoto

D-men (if they want another D prospect)

Callan Foote
Nicolas Hague



Of course there are some players that may fall out of favor (like Chychrun last year) who I would say they should take at #18. But for now those are my picks.

Let's remember that Kevan Miller was the laughing stock of the Bruins for a while... maybe even the laughing stock of the NHL. He definitely is not Johnny Boychuk

- mixturebill

Colin Miller buried one in his own net this year so, poop happens. I was front and center pointing the finger at Kevan saying to shoot him to the moon. I didn't see what the team saw in him. He took yuuuuge steps towards the end of the year when the team needed it most. I think he's gonna be a great value player throughout his contract seeing as how he can play either side on any pair and he's a good PKer. I also loved how he started rushing the puck up the ice. When that guy lowers his shoulder along the boards to protect the puck no one can touch him

I'm OK with protecting K. Miller. I don't understand protecting Spooner and Nash over C. Miller.

Nash is a nice player, Dan Paille type of guy. Spooner is garbage. I doubt Vegas would take him to begin with. McPhee is smarter than that.
- glove_was_stuck

Oh well, we are stuck with it now. Grab your popcorn and watch Vegas rake in the picks.

I'm OK with protecting K. Miller. I don't understand protecting Spooner and Nash over C. Miller.

Nash is a nice player, Dan Paille type of guy. Spooner is garbage. I doubt Vegas would take him to begin with. McPhee is smarter than that.
- glove_was_stuck

They would have exposed Pasta if they went 4-4

Let's remember that Kevan Miller was the laughing stock of the Bruins for a while... maybe even the laughing stock of the NHL. He definitely is not Johnny Boychuk

- mixturebill

what's he supposed to do there? looks to me like one white sweater and 4 red ones. a center or D partner needs to be in that gif. one thing for sure is he can't chase that puck carrier or back off and let him go to the net. bad example.

what's he supposed to do there? looks to me like one white sweater and 4 red ones. a center or D partner needs to be in that gif. one thing for sure is he can't chase that puck carrier or back off and let him go to the net. bad example.
- Fountain-San

Kevin Miller had a good second half of the season and playoffs. Again protecting Spooner and Nash makes no sense to me.