The Boston Bruins have one of the most underrated fighters in the NHL in Kevan Miller. The undrafted defenseman was signed by the Bruins back in 2011 and has been a very effective player ever since he broke onto the main roster. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Miller has the size to be a truly overwhelming defender for opposing defenses to handle. His skill-set makes him the perfect player to fill that 6th-7th defense spot on the Bruins roster this season. Unfortunately for Miller and the Bruins last season, Miller was forced to miss 41 games due to a shoulder injury. As expected, the constant rough-style of play and fighting eventually caught up to Miller and during a fight against Nicolas Delauriers in October of last season, he injured his shoulder. The full fight can be seen below.
Although Kevan Miller’s should injury is fully healed, the lingering effects might stay with him for a long time. Miller recently stated in an interview with WEEI.com that “I think that it’s something that’s definitely going to be in the back of your mind. Going into any fight, it’s in the back of your mind, getting injured, this and that. Having a shoulder injury issue is definitely something that will be in the back of my mind. I’m actually to the point now where I’ve been able to kind of hit the bag at home and feel okay. I feel really comfortable with my shoulder and where it’s at right now. Like I said, it will definitely be in the back of my mind, but I don’t think it will really affect me too much.”
“It’s obviously a part of my game, but I don’t think it’s something that defines my game”- Kevan Miller stated in regards to fighting in the future and the consequences it will have on his career
Kevan Miller will still be an effective player in limited ice time for the 2015-16 season, assuming he can stay healthy. At 27 years old, Miller may not have the experience of others his age at the NHL level, but he certainly has a better understanding of the game and of life in the league than most people with as little experience as he has.
Below are some of Miller’s more dominant fights during his tenure as a Boston Bruin:
It’s clear that Kevan Miller has a knack for fighting, and hopefully his experience with an injury won’t keep him from doing what he does best. The Bruins could use every bit of grit and strength as they can get if they intend on keeping the “Big Bad Bruin” identity moving forward. Kevan Miller is essentially a cheaper version of Adam McQuaid, and while McQuaid is prone to injuries in his career as well, it will be important for both players to play to their own strengths for as long as they remain healthy.
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