Report: Ducks set to sign Vezina Trophy winner

There must be something about the West Coast lifestyle that appeals to Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller. Of course his wife, actress Noreen DeWulf, resides in Los Angeles, so that might explain why the 36 year-old former Vezina Trophy winner has been linked to the Anaheim Ducks by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

In his latest 30 Thoughts article for Sportsnet, Friedman dropped a mini-bombshell on Canucks and Ducks fans saying, “there is a lot of expectation of Ryan Miller to Anaheim for approximately $1 million, although I’m not sure if bonuses will be added to that. It makes a lot of sense.”

It absolutely makes a lot of sense. While the Ducks still have full faith in starter John Gibson, backup Jonathan Bernier failed the team when they needed him most. At 36 years of age and with his best playing days behind him, it makes sense for Miller to transition into a backup role after three seasons sharing the starting role in Vancouver with Jacob Markstrom and Eddie Lack. 

If Friedman’s report is to be believed, Miller will receive a steep pay cut from his annual salary of $6 million. However, the 14 year NHL veteran is still a serviceable and capable netminder who posted a respectable 2.80 GAA and .914 Sv% in 2016-17.