Millers' Musings

 Recapping last week’s transactions…

9/20/26) GEO signs O. Maatta to a 2yr, $3.5M contract…

Georgetown wanted a bit more veteran presence in their D corps

after moving out Rielly in the Aho trade so the 32-year old Finn, a

2-time Stanley Cup winner, was signed. The embodiment of a

calm, low-event defenseman, Maata makes up for his lack of

speed with smarts and a great first pass to clear the zone. He’s

not a banger despite his 6’2, 207 frame but is very good

positionally. He’s clearly the 7th D-Man upon his signing but is

more than capable of stepping in if someone is hurt or slumps.

(9/23/26) GEO waives H. Jokiharju…(waiver expiration date

9/26/26…)

Acquired from Chippewa on New Year’s Eve 2025 for Eric

Robinson, Jokiharju was initially seen as a possible bottom-pair or

7th defenseman, still relatively young at 27. However he’s fallen

down the depth chart of his NHL club to where he’s likely AHL

bound for 2026-27. He’s done the same for the Millers, with fellow

Finn Maata signed as his replacement and another Finn in

Nicholas Matinpalo, also 27, preferred as the 8th D-man. With 2

years and a combined $6.2 million left on the contract it was not a

surprise that Jokiharju eventually cleared waivers and is now a

UFA.

(9/23/26) GEO signs M. Shabanov to a 1yr, $1.6M contract…

Seeking more depth on the RW and hoping that Shabanov takes

advantage of his NHL opportunities in playing on a line with

countryman Kaprizov, the Millers took a low-risk flyer on the 25

year old Russian. He’s tiny at 5’8 and had issues in his first NHL

season, but the upside is worth the one-year contract, since he

can be re-signed if he breaks out as a legit top 6 forward.