Miller's Musings

 A lot of trades and a signing to look back on…

(1/4/26) HFX trades Emmitt Finnie-p, Matthew Wood-p, Brent Solomon-p & GEO

1st-26 to GEO for M. Necas…

This was the first sign that the Millers were not satisfied trying to hold onto the last

playoff spot and were looking towards the future. Necas had been suspended for 3

games for abuse of ref, during which Georgetown went 1-1-1.

The main return was Georgetown reclaiming their 2026 1st rounder, which looks to be in

the top 8 at worst, and could possibly be a lottery pick.

Brent Solomon is currently lighting up the USHL and will matriculate to Wisconsin next

season to begin his NCAA career. It’s early but there could be a middle 6 winger there.

Emmitt Finnie came out of nowhere to claim a spot on the Red Wings top line as a 20

year-old. After a hot start the offense has evaporated but he’s still getting top 9 minutes

and time on both special teams units. He’s a great skater and hard forechecker with a

non-stop motor. His ceiling is middle 6 winger and special teams contributor who will be

a fan favorite. Could be a Millers contributor as soon as next year.

Matthew Wood is the most famous of the prospects acquired and has made his NHL

debut this season. The former 1st round pick has a lethal shot and could put up 30 goal

season for years to come. However his skating is below average, and despite standing

6’4” he’s not a true power forward. At worst he’ll be a power play specialist and bottom 6

wing, but improvements in skating and a bit more bite could put him in the top 6. He’s

only 20 so time is on his side.

(1/5/26) CAP trades H. Thrun, Henry Brzustewicz-p, Cole McKinney-p & Charlie

Cerrato-p to GEO for M. Roy & $7m…

A night after moving Necas, middle-pairing D Matt Roy, inked in the offseason to the

largest UFA contract in Millers history, was moved to Capeside.

Henry Thrun came straight from college to to the NHL, seeing only a smidge of AHL

time his first 3 seasons. Toiling on poor teams in Anaheim and San Jose his stats were

not good. Coming out of school he was lauded for his skating, puck movement and

defensive zone coverage. Despite being 6’2, 211 he is not overly physical, relying more

on positioning. He’s been in the AHL most of this season and is likely a depth option

moving forward.

Henry Brzustewicz was a late NHL 1st rounder, a Defenseman currently playing for

London in the OHL (a teammate of current Miller G prospect Alexei Medvedev). An all-

round defenseman, “Brzy” can skate, move the puck and defend at a high level, There

was some hope his offense might grow this season but it’s similar to last year’s output,

so he’s unlikely to be a power play option. He should be a solid 2nd pairing Dman and

penalty killer in the pros.

Cole McKinney is a Center currently playing for the University of Michigan. A very good

skater and puck handler, his skill set isn’t quite that of a top 6 Center, but he has enough

ability to play on the wing in a support role if needed, but should be a solid 3rd line

Center and penalty killer.

Charlie Cerrato is also in the NCAA, playing for Penn State. A late bloomer, he does

have the skill to play on a scoring line, albeit as a winger, and as a complimentary piece

more so than a play driver. He also has a great motor and defensive awareness, and

could anchor a 3rd line.

(1/6/26) CAP trades L. Cooley & NIA 3rd-26 to GEO for D. Larkin…

Perhaps the most shocking deal in Georgetown’s history, as the long-time captain was

sent to the Northeast to chase the Kehler Cup.

Although just 21, Logan Cooley has already established himself as a legitimate top line

Center, and the Millers foresee him in that role for the next decade. Cooley is the total

package except for his size, but he plays big when it’s needed., not shying away from

the physical engagement. The Millers could run out Cooley (21), 24 year-old Dylan

Cozens, 22 year-old Ryan Greene and 21 year-old Marco Kasper as their Centers next

season, with Berkley Catton, Cerrato, and McKinney in the pipeline.

(1/7/26) ICE trades Christian Humphreys-p to GEO for M. McCarron…

McCarron was acquired to improve the bottom 6 and PK, but had not really succeeded

in either endeavor and the pending UFA was dispatched to Iceland for Humphreys, who

returned to the OHL after not getting enough minutes at NCAA Michigan. Humphreys

has a great shot already. He needs to increase his pace and show some improvements

defensively to have a pro future, but he’s a decent lottery ticket.

(1/9/26) GEO claims E. Luostarinen…

Eetu Luostarinen was plucked off waivers with the hopes of improving the bottom 6 and

penalty kill. The 27 year-old Finn can play all 3 forward lines, skates well, hits, is strong

defensively and has shown some offensive chops at times. He’s a lock for a 3rd line role

next season and some improvement in his offense could even see him play higher up

as a winger, being the physical and defensive conscience to support the scorers. It’s an

extremely low-risk move with a potential big reward.