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Anaheim Ducks: Five Bold Offseason Predictions

By Ciara Durant

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 05: Anaheim Ducks players react after center Carter Rowney (24) scored a gaol in the first period of a game against the Los Angeles Kings played on April 5, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 05: Anaheim Ducks players react after center Carter Rowney (24) scored a gaol in the first period of a game against the Los Angeles Kings played on April 5, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks
ANAHEIM, CA – APRIL 03: Ryan Miller #30 of the Anaheim Ducks holds the crease during the game against the Calgary Flames on April 3, 2019, at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Anaheim Ducks Will Resign Ryan Miller to a 1-Year Contract

This is not exactly what you would call a “bold prediction”, but it is a prediction nonetheless. Ryan Miller was the unsung hero of the Anaheim Ducks 2018-19 season, and for good reason. It is almost unheard of for a goaltender to reach the age of 38 and still have success at the same level as Miller. Especially in a backup role and even more so in a league that has changed significantly over the course of his 16-year career.

The Anaheim Ducks have one of the best goaltending tandems in the league, and unfortunately, due to the team in front of them, they are not recognized as such. Nevertheless, with a re-tooled roster, a new coach, and a complete overhaul of their stale old dump and chase system, John Gibson and Ryan Miller will likely find themselves in an even better position than this past year.

Miller only played in 20 games this season, but he played with finesse. Among all backup goaltenders who played between 15-30 games this season, his save percentage of .912% is second to only New Jersey’s 22-year-old MacKenzie Blackwood.

He has been a great mentor to John Gibson over the past two seasons as well. Miller may have been reduced to a back-up goaltender over the years, but when he’s in the net, he still plays like he’s in the starting role. His work ethic is admirable, he has a strong moral compass, is level headed, and he plays his heart out.

While the Cup in any NHL player’s number one goal, it is very unlikely that Miller will want to move to a team outside of Southern California, and he has expressed as much. His family is here and at his age, family comes first, and he would likely retire before leaving. So, while the Anaheim Ducks may not be headed for the Stanley Cup Finals next season (anything is possible, but let’s be realistic) a 1-year contract would be perfect for both parties.

Confidence in Prediction: 9/10 

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