The Buffalo Sabres may be prepared to move goaltender Ryan Miller as the team continues to plummet in the Eastern Conference and the Minnesota Wild have emerged as a possible trade partner, according to various reports.
According to the Digital Journal, with Buffalo and the Edmonton Oilers both trying to avoid having the worst record in the NHL, Buffalo may be prepared to trade their franchise veteran goalie before the Olympic break occurs in two weeks.
According to the Ottawa Sun, Sabres general manager Tim Murray is looking for a way to improve the team by acquiring younger talent and it could be at the expense of trading Miller, 33, who the team selected 138th overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
The Wild have emerged as a possible trade partner since both of their goaltenders have been dealing with injuries. Josh Harding and Niklas Backstrom have both spent stints on the injured reserve, and the Wild are on the bubble for a top eight spot in the playoffs in the Western Conference and could be looking to strike a deal in order to shore up their team between the pipes.
Miller has played with the Sabres for his entire 11-year career, starting with his 15 games in the crease during the 2002-03 season.
Miller is still a solid backstop, but with a young inexperienced team in front of him and a squad that is in rebuilding mode, it could be the time to deal him before the NHL trade deadline on March 5. The Edmonton Oilers were one rumored suitor for Miller, but reports indicated that they backed out of talks as they will look to upgrade at goalie in the offseason.
Miller is 13-19-3 with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage through 32 games thus far this season. In his career with Buffalo, Miller is 282-183-57 overall through 535 games with a 2.59 GAA and a .916 save percentage. It remains to be seen if he'll be dealt.
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