Question to everyone regarding Ryan Miller

[HockeytownRules19 902]

It looks like Buffalo won't be able to afford Miller in 2009, so they might trade him this offseason. My question to everyone is, would you trade Jimmy Howard and other players/picks for Ryan Miller? I say yes, but I want to see everyone else's opinions.

[miller76 463]

I think there are pros and cons to this idea.

Pros: played college hockey in Michigan, good goaltender

Cons: trading away our good young talent once again, Osgood just signed a three year deal, and who is to say Hasek is done.

It's hard to conjure up a popular vote in this matter. I believe if Buffalo cannot retain him, someone with really deep pockets, and team in dire need of a goaltender will outbid the rest. I say a team like Chicago picks him up.

[HockeytownRules19 902]

I think there are pros and cons to this idea.

Pros: played college hockey in Michigan, good goaltender

Cons: trading away our good young talent once again, Osgood just signed a three year deal, and who is to say Hasek is done.

It's hard to conjure up a popular vote in this matter. I believe if Buffalo cannot retain him, someone with really deep pockets, and team in dire need of a goaltender will outbid the rest. I say a team like Chicago picks him up.

Ok thanks, I was just wondering

[Majsheppard 203]

Afford???

Surely they can afford him, they haven't paid hardly anyone and the cap is going up.

I read on NHL.com that signing him is their top priority.

Even if they don't sign him, I don't see us needing/wanting him.

[miller76 463]

Afford???

Surely they can afford him, they haven't paid hardly anyone and the cap is going up.

I read on NHL.com that signing him is their top priority.

Even if they don't sign him, I don't see us needing/wanting him.

I don't understand how Buffalo cannot afford Miller. It seems as if they have been doing nothing but cutting their payroll.

[Majsheppard 203]

I think there are pros and cons to this idea.

Pros: played college hockey in Michigan, good goaltender

Cons: trading away our good young talent once again, Osgood just signed a three year deal, and who is to say Hasek is done.

It's hard to conjure up a popular vote in this matter. I believe if Buffalo cannot retain him, someone with really deep pockets, and team in dire need of a goaltender will outbid the rest. I say a team like Chicago picks him up.

Agree, agree, disagree, agree.

Good player.

We aren't moving Howard or Osgood.

Hasek may not be done, but he is with us, most analysts seem to think the only reason he is the starter in the playoffs is because he could tear the room apart if he didn't get the nod. The leadership want to move forward with Osgood and Howard next year.

I think Buffalo is going to lock him up, but can you imagine Chicago with him? Could be scary...

LA always can be attractive, and that would make that team markedly better.

[HockeytownRules19 902]

I see, I just thought Ryan Miller would be a good fit with the Wings. But after seeing everything I think a duo of Osgood and Howard might not be too bad after all.

[Third Man In 2,091]

I don't think you trade for Miller. But if in 2009 you're still not convinced about Howard as a #1 goalie, you sign Miller as a free agent. Keep the MSU pipeline going!

I think Buffalo will be able to afford Miller. But after not signing Briere and Drury and then trading Campbell there are serious questions as to whether Miller wants to stay in Buffalo after his contract is up.

[miller76 463]

I think any team that has Miller on as their goaltender can be totally dangerous. Prime example: Vancouver. My own opinion is that without Luongo, that team is crap. And I know Luongo didn't play up to his abilities this year for whatever reason, but they don't have anyone driving the net and scoring goals. The Sedin twins were absolutely quiet this season. My opinion again, I do not feel he has much of a chance being a Wing. That doesn't mean I wouldn't crack a smile if we obtained him though..

[norrisnick 1]

Ryan Miller would be unnecessarily expensive given the way the Wings are built. If he wants to sign long-term for $3-4M/yr why not, but if he gets moved because the Sabres can't afford his demands there is no reason for us to trade a young goalie that is not going to be very expensive for the forseeable future that just may end up as good or better than Miller anyway. Both were NCAA goalies and Jimmy is the one with the big records (GAA and SV%).

[Zion 93]

Miller is called Mr. Softee here in Buffalo.

[miller76 463]

Miller is called Mr. Softee here in Buffalo.

thats funny. What is the Buffalo fans take on him up there?

[schulzte 18]

I'm a huge MSU fan, I saw Ryan Miller in goal for two year and I was offended to hear anyone say any college goaltender was any better than Ryan Miller. Then I looked up Jimmy Howard's numbers for Maine in 2003-04. Wow. 1.19 GAA, .956 SV%. His numbers are actually better than Miller in 2001 (it's kind of splitting hairs, both unbelievable). A goalie with those numbers in college and who has toiled in GR so long has got to be your go to guy as soon as Hasek retires. I love the idea up picking up Miller, but Jimmy Howard has earned his chance with the Wings.

Also, as a State fan, I'm loving Abdelkader and McCarty on the same line!

NCAA Goalie Records

Edited April 8, 2008 by schulzte

[Barrie 900]

I don't think you trade for Miller. But if in 2009 you're still not convinced about Howard as a #1 goalie, you sign Miller as a free agent. Keep the MSU pipeline going!

I agree. See what you have in Howard first. Howard/Osgood has the potential to be an excellent goaltending duo.

[2probert4 8]

I think there are pros and cons to this idea.

Pros: played college hockey in Michigan, good goaltender

Cons: trading away our good young talent once again, Osgood just signed a three year deal, and who is to say Hasek is done.

It's hard to conjure up a popular vote in this matter. I believe if Buffalo cannot retain him, someone with really deep pockets, and team in dire need of a goaltender will outbid the rest. I say a team like Chicago picks him up.

Did something happen to KHABIBULIN ?

[Majsheppard 203]

Did something happen to KHABIBULIN ?

Old age/high salary...

[2probert4 8]

Agree, agree, disagree, agree.

Good player.

We aren't moving Howard or Osgood.

Hasek may not be done, but he is with us, most analysts seem to think the only reason he is the starter in the playoffs is because he could tear the room apart if he didn't get the nod. The leadership want to move forward with Osgood and Howard next year.

I think Buffalo is going to lock him up, but can you imagine Chicago with him? Could be scary...

LA always can be attractive, and that would make that team markedly better.

Kings have 2 very good young goalies in their system...Chicago has Khabibulin.... If Buffalo said Howard and another player, you can bet that the Wings will think about it.....

[Majsheppard 203]

BTW, why would anyone want to do something to keep Osgood from getting 400 career wins?

400 Wins and another Cup and he would be a lock for the Hall.

Edited April 8, 2008 by Majsheppard

[2probert4 8]

Old age/high salary...

He played well for them this season when he wasnt injured. He's not that old, considering our goalie is 41 or 42. They have tried shopping Khabby and no takers because of the salary.

[2probert4 8]

BTW, why would anyone want to do something to keep Osgood from getting 400 career wins?

400 Wins and another Cup and he would be a lock for the Hall.

If Howard stays with the Wings next season, he will get more than a game here and there. They will make a major decision concerning the direction of the goaltending within the organization. There is another goalie over in Sweden Djurgarden named Daniel Larsson who they have high hopes for, Howard wasn't thought of as highly as people in this site have made him out to be. Wouldn't bother me if the kid took over and all that, but if a quality young tender is available from elsewhere, you have to weigh the options. Let him play or let him go......

Edited April 8, 2008 by 2probert4

[miller76 463]

He played well for them this season when he wasnt injured. He's not that old, considering our goalie is 41 or 42. They have tried shopping Khabby and no takers because of the salary.

I have been kind of wondering what is going on in Chicago. I am just wondering whether it's him or the organization that doesnt feel he is a good fit there. I wouldn't be surprised if he was moved before next season.

[2probert4 8]

I have been kind of wondering what is going on in Chicago. I am just wondering whether it's him or the organization that doesnt feel he is a good fit there. I wouldn't be surprised if he was moved before next season.

7 mill + per season will be very difficult to move. They can't pick up part of the tab in this collective bargaining agreement, but Brian Burke is wanting to change that.

[imisssergei 0]

Did something happen to KHABIBULIN ?

Both he and Miller are UFA's after 08-09.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Two things:

1) Those who see Miller play a lot say he is a good goaltender, but not a great goaltender.

2) Buffalo has a self-imposed salary cap somewhere in the 40s.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

To me this is more important:

Nicklas Lidstrom: UFA 2010

Roberto Luongo: UFA 2010

There have been rumblings about Luongo not being happy in Vancouver. However, he was quoted as saying he was going to "honor his contract in Vancouver" and not request a trade, but he hasn't made any comments about wanting to spend his career there. Its very possible that if Vancouver doesnt see substantial success, he hits the market. If Lidstrom decides to retire then this is the ideal replacement for Lidstroms presence, as your not going to find it amongst defenseman. Id hate to see Detroit lose out on an opportunity to get Luongo because they jumped the gun and got Miller instead.