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Boston Bruins Top Five Defensemen Midpoint 2016-17

By Brandon Share-Cohen

Dec 31, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) talks to defenseman Torey Krug (47) during practice the day prior to the Winter Classic hockey game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) talks to defenseman Torey Krug (47) during practice the day prior to the Winter Classic hockey game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colin Miller – 36 Games – Three Goals, Three Assists, Six Points – ATOI: 16:30

Nov 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins defenseman Colin Miller (48) skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Bruins beat the Maple Leafs 4-3 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins defenseman Colin Miller (48) skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Bruins beat the Maple Leafs 4-3 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Colin Miller is an interesting case. He’s seen inconsistent NHL ice time over the last few seasons. He’s only recorded six goals and 22 points in 78 games over two seasons. Additionally, he’s been bounced around from pairing-to-pairing. Despite all this, Miller has shown that he has legitimate NHL talent.

In the AHL, Miller was a phenom. The former fifth-round draft pick has played in 155 AHL contests, recorded 28 goals and 81 points. His best season came in 2014-15 with the Manchester Monarchs when he scored 19 goals and 52 points in 70 games. He also was named to the AHL All-Star game where he won both the faster skater and hardest shot competitions.

Related Story: Colin Miller is Willing to Fight for His Team

At the NHL level, Miller hasn’t gotten consistent ice time – when he has played, though, it’s been a roller coaster. He’s unpredictable, to say the least, but he’s fun to watch. Aside from Torey Krug (who holds a 59.77 Corsi-for percentage), Miller has the second-best mark on the team with a 59.08 CF%. Most recently, Miller has received playing time alongside Kevan Miller on the Bruins bottom-pairing. In that role, he’s been able to maintain very positive possession numbers, regardless of how Kevan Miller does himself.

Consistency is Important

By all accounts, Colin Miller is producing like a top-pairing defenseman in both possession and point rate. This can be seen visually when looking at Miller’s HERO Chart. Miller certainly has a lot of work to do to gain the trust of Claude Julien. This isn’t a slight at Miller’s ability or development – it’s simply the way it is for young defensemen like Miller, especially when joining a Bruins team that prides itself in accountability.

Miller looks like he could be a big part of the Bruins future if he can continue to develop the way he has been. He’s not going to be a shutdown defenseman, but he simply fits the mold of new NHL defensemen. He’s a solid skater with speed, has a phenomenal shot, and has good awareness on the ice. Despite some inconsistencies, Miller is worth rolling from game-to-game – especially if the Bruins remain a long-shot for the playoffs this season.

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