The Millers slow start claims it’s first victim, as veteran D Alex Pietrangelo is dealt to Fort Erie for winger and former Miller Logan O’Connor and prospect D-man Hoaxi Wang.
Pietrangelo was acquired in the off-season with the idea of pairing him with up-and-comer Jackson LaCombe on the club’s 2nd pair and to see time on the second unit of both special teams. However the 2 did not gel and AP opened the season on the 3rd pair with Jalen Chatfield. He’s performed well with 3 points in 7 games (albeit with a minus 3) but was unhappy with playing just 13 minutes a night at even strength. The poor start made it easier to accommodate the future Hall-of-Famer’s wish to play more and move to a title contender.
O’Connor joins a ridiculously overloaded group of bottom 6 forwards and as of right now is on the outside looking in at a lineup spot. Georgetown’s front office is trying to move a couple of bodies to break-up the logjam and it’s unknown at this time if O’Connor will stay or go.
Wang was the 48th overall pick in the 2025 CCHL Entry Draft (33rd overall in the NHL) and gives the Millers a young rearguard with immense potential. At 6’6, the native of China is an incredible skater for his size, but the rest of his game is extremely raw. He’ll be playing for Boston University next season but is currently with the Oshawa Generals.
To replace Pietrangelo on the roster, Georgetown signed D-man Nikolas Matinpalo to a 2 year contract. The 26 year-old is a late bloomer, playing regularly in the NHL last season for the first time. At 6’3 212 lbs he brings size and some very good skating but he is not a scorer. Rather he’s a bottom pairing stay at home type who plays a simple, mistake-free game.
