A Look at the Millers Recently Acquired Players

In the midst of a terribly disappointing season that has seen the club deal foundational stalwarts such as Brett Pesce, Brayden Schenn and Roman Josi, the Millers have sought to restock a system depleted by several years of “win-now” trades. While bringing in multiple highly-rated prospects was the main emphasis, Georgetown also sought young talent who could potentially contribute this season or next.

Below are some notes on 4 of those players.

Dominik Kahun, F - Kahun, 24, was acquired from Dayton along with 3 prospects for Travis Sanheim, who himself was part of the return for Brett Pesce. Kahun can play all 3 forward positions and across a variety of lines. Currently, he’s only seen time on the 4th line in Georgetown but that could change as the Millers try to move out some more veteran forwards. He’s more of a passer than a goal scorer, and although not a physical player is strong defensively. His skillset suggests a middle 6 winger and 2nd Power Play unit contributor who should reliably score 40 points a season and could have the odd 50 to 60 point years with some luck. Looking ahead to the 20-21 season expect Kahun to play as a winger on the 2nd line and on the PP.

Taro Hirose, F – Hirose, 23, isn’t eligible to play this season but could see time next year. He came into the 19-20 NHL season as a darkhorse Calder candidate but was sent to the AHL after 23 underwhelming games. He is very similar in skillset to Kahun but not as strong defensively. Hirose has to play a top 6 role and on the PP to have any chance as a contributor. He’s expected to be a depth player on next year’s squad and may never be a full-time player, but as the return for Siberia’s rental of Paul Byron, he’s a low risk/high reward lottery ticket.

Madison Bowey, D - The 24-year-old Bowey was acquired from Minnesota for prospects Cole Fonstad and Linus Karlsson. Both prospects are considered long-shots to have any meaningful pro career, so Georgetown felt there was little risk in acquiring the offensive-minded blueliner. And while Bowey can put some points up, his defensive issues can give them right back. If Bowey can get his D work up to even a barely average level, he could carve out a career as a 3rd pairing/PP specialist type of player. That’s the role the Millers envision for him in the 20-21 season.

Rocco Grimaldi, F – Grimaldi is 26 years old and had never established himself as a full-time NHL player since being drafted in the 2nd round back in 2011. He’s found a home in Nashville the last couple of NHL seasons, and the Millers thought enough of him to sign him from the UFA pool for the next 2 years. At 5’6 Grimaldi will not be expected to play a defensive role, but his energy and offense should make him a highly skilled 4th liner or a stop-gap 2nd liner on a rebuilding club. The 20-21 Millers fit the latter description; Grimaldi could put up 35-40 points as a 2nd line winger and 2nd PP unit contributor.