Boston Bruins Prospect Spotlight: Colin Miller
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Colin Miller, 22, was one of the pieces the Bruins were able to haul in as a part of the Milan Lucic trade. Miller is a very good defensive prospect who excels in many areas that the Boston Bruins are in need of. Colin Miller is only the second player in AHL history to win both the fastest-skater and hardest-shot contests, and both of those skill-sets will be invaluable for the Bruins when he is able to make the leap to the NHL.
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Colin Miller is a very effective puck-moving defenseman who has a right-hand shot and clocked in a slapshot at 105.5 mph during the All-Star Skills competition, which was also the hardest shot in the history of the event. To add to that immense shot, Miller won the fastest-skater competition with a 13.805 second lap. Colin Miller is 6’1 and has the potential to be a Torey Krug-type player, with more size. While his offensive and puck-moving abilities are superb, his defensive ability needs a lot of work.
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As is the case with many offensive-defenseman, defensive ability takes a back-seat when players are more prone to joining the rush than the back-check. It goes without saying that his 19 goals and 33 assists for 52 points in 70 games with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL should be enough to earn him consideration for one of the available defense spots on the Boston Bruins. What’s left to be determined is whether or not he will run with the opportunity this season, or if he will have to put in at least one more season of work in the AHL with the Providence Bruins first. If the latter is the case, injuries are bound to happen, in which case Miller could be in line for an in-season call-up.
The Bruins need quality defenseman and Colin Miller could be one of the best offseason acquisitions for Boston. Whether he steps up this season or next, Miller should be a strong piece on the Bruins blueline for years to come. With the ever-coveted right-hand shot and proven point production in the OHL and AHL, Miller has the potential to be a very valuable commodity in the NHL, and at the expense of an expiring contract like Lucic’s, it was a steal to get him in the deal.