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Boston Bruins: 3 Early Season Surprises in 2021

By Scott Roche

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Jeremy Lauzon #79 of the Boston Bruins waits for a face off during an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils on December 31, 2019 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Devils won 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Jeremy Lauzon #79 of the Boston Bruins waits for a face off during an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils on December 31, 2019 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Devils won 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 10: Kevan Miller #86 of the Boston Bruins takes a shot against the Washington Capitals during the first period at TD Garden on January 10, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 10: Kevan Miller #86 of the Boston Bruins takes a shot against the Washington Capitals during the first period at TD Garden on January 10, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Kevan Miller

Speaking of Miller, he was Sweeney’s first free-agent signing in October, a signing that was questioned by many. Miller had not played in an NHL game since the playoffs in April of 2019 when he injured his knee and Sweeney signed him to a one-year, $1.25 million deal.

Miller has gone through an extensive rehab process since the injury that has included multiple surgeries. It would have been easy for the veteran defensemen to call it a career, but he felt that he has more hockey left in him and so far, he has been right.

Battling Connor Clifton in training camp for one of the final roster spots in the top-six, Miller had an impressive camp and Cassidy gave him an opening night roster spot. The 6-foot-2 and 210-pound 33-year-old wasted no time in coming to the defense of his teammates.

After New Jersey Devils forward Miles Wood twice crashed the net on Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask in the first game of the year, Miller needed just 19 seconds two days later to send a message to Wood by dropping the gloves with the Devils forward. That is the Kevan Miller the Bruins were hoping they were getting.

Miller has been a key piece to the blue line and on the penalty kill. With Chara leaving in December to join the Washington Capitals, Miller earned the open roster spot and has been what the Bruins have hoped for in 2021 so far.

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