SEARCH
                 


MARKERZONE  |  NHL  |  NEWS

Pair of former NHLers slam the Boston Bruins over their signing of Mitchell Miller


PUBLICATION
Jon
November 4, 2022  (10:42 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY



When the Boston Bruins signed 21-year old defenseman Mitchell Miller, they knew exactly the type of reaction they would receive. They had been contemplating and coordinating the move for some time, according to Elliotte Friedman, so they had to have expected the proverbial sh-tstorm that ensued.

Pretty much every credentialed hockey reporter/analyst/journalist slammed the transaction, for there is a convincing reason to believe that - although he is talented - Miller has not adequately atoned for his actions seven years ago. Further, many folks questioned his 'apology' to his victim, and as it turns out that was a crock.
Folks outside the game were not the only ones to blast the Bruins for the decision. At least two former NHLers - both members of the Hockey Diversity Alliance - have publicly voiced their oppositions: Joel Ward and Akim Aliu.
This divisive topic was only exacerbated when Insider Chris Johnston reported the details of Miller's deal. Johnston states that Miller's contract contains the maximum allowable signing bonus ($95k/year), plus performance bonuses and the maximum AHL salary allowable. Which, in Layman's terms, suggests that there was a demand for the defender from more than one team; likely several.
His character is absolutely in question, but Miller's on-ice goods are obviously desirable enough to offset any possible risks. In 104 USHL games with the Tri-City Storm, Miller scored 116 points from the blue-line. He was initially drafted in the 4th round in 2020 before Arizona renounced the pick.
It's a cutthroat business until it isn't anymore.

pub