Here is what’s become of the Buffalo Sabres. As Ryan Miller cleaned out his locker Monday, the biggest question wasn’t what went wrong this year. It wasn’t even about what the team can do better next year. A big reason he was surrounded by reporters was because people want to know what’s going to happen in two years.
Miller, who was the most-worked goaltender in Sabres history, had a lot to talk about as the players wrapped up the 2007-08 season. He spoke about his workload, his mental focus, his successes and failures, and his teammates.
But when a team has repeatedly lost recognizable faces, those issues get diminished. Miller is a marquee name, and people want to know if he’ll be the next player to leave the franchise behind.
Miller has one season remaining on his contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent. He can’t even renegotiate with the Sabres until July 1. But for a team that’s been stung by the departures of Mike Grier, Jay McKee, Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, among others, it’s time to wonder now.
“Once we get a little further down the line, that stuff will come up,” said Miller, who is the object of choice for Sabres management. “I’m well aware of what’s been printed and said [about the team wanting a contract].
“Anytime someone talks about you that way it’s encouraging. I feel comfortable here. I like it here a lot. To have the confidence from my management team, from my coaching staff, it means a lot to me. But moving forward, this is just something that’s going to have to be discussed with them first. Just ’cause [managing partner] Larry [Quinn] comes out and places it as a goal doesn’t mean it’s been talked about with me.
“They haven’t talked to me about anything formally. That’s something that really can’t transpire until July. I don’t expect anything other than getting a little break from hockey right now.”
Miller could use the break. The 27- year-old played a team-record 76 games, going 36-27-10 with a 2.64 goals-against average and .906 save percentage. His numbers fell as the 6- foot-2, 166-pounder wore down from playing 34 games in a row.
There were 22 goalies who played at least 10 games in March. Miller’s save percentage of .883 was dead last. He had a 3.21 GAA, which ranked 21st of 22. By contrast, he was third in January in GAA (1.97) and fourth in save percentage (.928).
“I had some moments where I lacked focus,” Miller said. “Part of it is fatigue, learning how to manage that. I’m not taking it as an excuse; I need to learn how to manage that. I think I failed in some situations. I was bad in some situations. Overall, though, I think I battled. I competed. I came to the rink, I played. So looking at me, I want to get a break, mentally. I need a break.”
Miller will use the five months off to examine how he can better manage his workload. He also hopes to be ready for the start of the season. This one got off to an uneven start because of the death of his cousin, Matt Schoals.
“I don’t think I started at a high enough level,” Miller said. “I think I was a little distracted. I’m not using that as an excuse. We’re professionals, you just show up. But early on, some family stuff left me . . . I didn’t get out of the blocks. Already, we’d slipped. Midseason, I felt good. Later on, I had some games where I just [made] some mistakes. It’s my job to learn how to manage the workload, get the practice you need, get the workouts you need.
“I had some very uncharacteristic games. I was inconsistent. I had a lot of what I consider bad goals, where either my awareness wasn’t good enough, my focus wasn’t good enough. I learned a lot this year. I really think I’m going to be a lot better next year.”
That, of course, could impact how much money he makes the following year — and where he makes it. Though his numbers are a little below other “franchise” goalies over the past three seasons, teams would be interested in making him the face of their franchise. Rumors already have started about the Detroit Red Wings, who have 43-year-old Dominik Hasek and 35-year-old Chris Osgood.
“Because I’m from Michigan?” Miller asked with a quizzical look. “They’re a great organization, but it’s something that’s not an issue right now. It’s not on the table. It’s not something that’s in my mind as a determining factor. It’s what can we do here to win. I’m still under contract here another year.
“Larry said there’s a possibility of talking about our future together. I want to talk to him.”
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