Millers Musings May 18, 2025

 Millers off-season update 

Georgetown has been a little more active than normal during the CCHL UFA signing period, having inked 3 players. They have also made a minor trade.

UFA Signings

Matt Roy - Roy was identified early as the top target for the Millers as they felt their blue line lacked some bite with Scott Mayfield gone to free agency. $36 million and 4 years bring the veteran D-man to central Kentucky, with expectations that he will fill a top 4 role, likely partnered with Shea Theodore. He’ll also lead the PK unit from the blue line. 

Jalen Chatfield - Chatfield’s solid all-around game intrigued GEO enough to give him a 3 year, $15 million contract. Capable of playing up and down the lineup as needed Chatfield is likely to start on the 3rd pairing and see some time on the PK, likely on the 2nd unit. 

Ilya Mikheyev - Looking for a defensive forward with enough skill to play above a checking line, Mikheyev was signed for 1 year. The winger is expected to slot into the top 9, with some in the org pushing him to play with countryman Evgeni Malkin on the 2nd line. He will also be one of the first forwards over the boards on the Penalty Kill. 

Trade

GEO trades D Zac Jones and a 2026 4th round pick to Amos for F Michael Rasmussen. 

Rasmussen returns to the organization in a utility role, likely to see time at all 3 forward spots mostly on the bottom 6, though his strong checking and skating may see him compliment a scoring line if needed. 

Impact

The D signings squeeze Shayne Gostisbehere out of the lineup and onto the trade block. With Theodore, Walman and LaCombe ahead of him as point producers from the blue line “Ghost” is now a luxury. John Marino would be the 7th D-man once Gostisbehere is moved. 

Mikheyev and Rasmussen are defense first forwards although Mikheyev is coming off a 20 goal NHL Season. The Millers currently have way too many forwards for lineup spots so predicting a fit for either is problematic, but Mikheyev seems a lock for a middle-6 spot while Rasmussen would be a 4th liner or the 13th forward.