Millers Musings

 A free agent signing and a huge trade highlight the past week for the Millers. 

(11/04/25) GEO signs R. Shea to a 2 year, 900k contract…

Shea is off to a tremendous start in the NHL, and the Millers inked him to a deal with an eye towards him providing solid depth or perhaps grabbing a bottom-pairing spot next season. Barring a lot of injuries or a sell-off of the team’s current Dmen, he’s unlikely to see any ice time this season. 

Speaking of sell-offs:

(11/07/2025) GEO trades J. Huberdeau, A. Kopitar, S. Theodore & $7M to FEK for T. Brodie, J. Drysdale, Y. Gourde, & M. McCarron…

Despite the Millers recent solid play (7-3-0 in their last 10) their performances have been inconsistent and the special teams have been particularly bad. There were also rumors coming from the dressing room concerning the plethora of upcoming star-level unrestricted free agents causing tension as about half the roster was questioning their futures. 

To change up the dynamic, the 3 main upcoming UFAs were dealt to Fergus for a return that on the surface should improve the bottom 6 and penalty kill, but the headliner is D Jamie Drysdale. 

Gourde returns to the franchise for his 4th go-around; his most recent was last season where he failed to mesh with his teammates and found himself scratched and ultimately moved out. The club hopes a lesser role in the bottom 6 and some occasional power play duties on the 2nd unit allow him to settle in better. 

McCarron was brought in specifically to prop up the penalty kill and to bring some toughness to the 4th line. 

Brodie was a salary make-weight and is no higher than 8th on the D depth chart. 

All 3 of the veterans acquired are pending UFAs. 

Drysdale is the prize, a 22 year-old puck moving Dman that has been in the league a few years but seems to be breaking out. Although not the offensive force that Theodore was, he should routinely put up point totals in the 30 to 40 point range at minimum while playing respectable defense on the 2nd pair. He may not have a role right away with the Millers as Jalen Chatfield will get first dibs at the lineup spot left open by the Theodore trade, but if the team struggles to generate chances he’ll find his way in eventually. He is a lock for a top 4 spot next season. 

This deal leaves the Millers a little light in their top 6, with Jared McCann expected to take over 2nd line C duties. The club is hoping to address that spot using their defensive depth; Jamie Oleksiak or John Marino could be moved out to facilitate that and it’s not beyond belief that offseason’s UFA signings Matt Roy or Jalen Chatfield could also be moved. 

The dealing is not done in the bluegrass.