Miller's contract makes move difficult
Ryan Miller shouldn't worry about moving.
Given the stipulations outlined in his contract, the Vancouver Canucks netminder is an unlikely trade candidate ahead of the March 1 trade deadline.
Miller can permit a move to just five clubs, three of which are believed to be California-based, namely the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks. The bad news is none of the three are in dire need of a goaltending upgrade, or even some added insurance between the pipes.
Among the three, the Sharks are the least likely suitor, as Martin Jones is the go-to netminder for the Bay Area club. In 50 appearances this season, Jones has come away with a 28-15-6 record, and among goaltenders with as much crease time, only two have outperformed his .913 save rate.
The Sharks could use an upgrade on backup Aaron Dell, but Miller's $6-million contract makes such a move improbable.
In Los Angeles, the Kings have already passed on opportunities to seek upgrades in goal after starter Jonathan Quick was lost to a groin injury in the season opener. Veteran minor-leaguer Peter Budaj has impressively held down the fort in Quick's absence, with 27 wins on the season, while his seven shutouts also ranks first league-wide. Further, Quick is expected to return in the coming weeks, leaving no space for Miller.
Anaheim is the most plausible destination among the California clubs, and even that is unlikely. The Ducks appear comfortable with the tandem of John Gibson and Jonathan Bernier, who share crease time in Orange County.
While Gibson is the undisputed starter, the Ducks could upgrade on Bernier, who carries a $4-million cap charge, but that figure is still about $2 million less than Miller's wage. That's without consideration of the assets the Ducks would need to part with to complete a deal. In the end, how the Ducks fare in the playoffs will largely live on Gibson's shoulders.
A pending unrestricted free agent, Miller's best bet may be to explore his opportunities in the summer, while a return to the Canucks should not be ruled out. Reports indicate the club could retain Miller at a lesser rate to share netminding duties with the younger Jacob Markstrom, while a stay in Vancouver would also keep Miller on his preferred West coast.