2009-10 Upper Deck The Cup Dual NHL Autographed Shields 1/1 (Ryan Miller/Jhonas Enroth).Today, after 18 years in the NHL, 40-year-old Ryan Miller announced that he will be retiring from hockey following the conclusion of the 2020-2021 season with the Anaheim Ducks.
Miller will finish up his NHL career just shy of 400 wins, making him the winningest American-born goaltender in league history. He also picked up the Vezina Trophy in 2010.
I’ve always appreciated Miller’s competitive spirit while in goal. He never backed down from a challenge, stood tall when facing the very best shooters in the league, and would turn heads around the NHL will some absolute jaw dropping saves from time-to-time. For a number of years, especially during his time with the Buffalo Sabres, it was always Miller Time. Playing until your 40th birthday isn’t easy, especially for a goaltender. The fact that Miller has played so long is a testament to how much he appreciated his time in the NHL and how he made the most out of his role with the teams he played with.
I will never forget Miller’s sweeping poke checks he would occassionally try on approaching players – something that I worked into my own game because of him. As far as modern goaltending goes, Miller was as aggressive as they come and always backed it up with his game.
After a fantastic career, an appreciation post was necassary.
Have a happy retirement, Ryan!
Ryan Miller during his final NHL season with the Anaheim Ducks.
CREASECOLLECTOR 
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