Boston Bruins: Kevan Miller’s days in Boston numbered?

After missing over a year due to a broken knee cap and multiple surgeries to repair said knee, Boston Bruins‘ defenseman Kevan Miller finally returned to action this season.

Miller was surprisingly extended to a one-year, $2 million deal in early October despite missing over a year of action and being an unknown health and performance-wise after such a serious injury.

Until recently, Miller looked better than he had before the injury, providing the physical style of defense that he’s on the team to play. However, with such a heavy and physically demanding workload, Miller is now on injured reserve because of a flare up with his surgically repaired knee and hasn’t played in a game since Feb. 18.

With Miller out, this has allowed fellow right-shot defenseman Connor Clifton to see regular reps on his strong side instead of his weak side. Additionally, the B’s also picked up left-shot defenseman Jarred Tinordi off of waivers, who plays a similar style to that of Miller.

Kevan Miller’s value to the Boston Bruins continues to decrease the longer he’s out and Jarred Tinordi and Connor Clifton continue to play well in his roles.

Both Clifton and Tinordi play similar games to that of Miller. All three are physical and think defense first. However, Clifton is just 25 years old and Tinordi is 29. Miller is 33 and is still struggling to stay healthy.

Furthermore, Tinordi and Clifton have arguably been better in Miller’s role. Over his career, Miller has averaged 2.19 hits per game and 1.61 blocks per game. This season through 15 games, Miller is averaging 2.13 hits and 0.73 blocks per game.

Clifton, who has also played 15 games this season, is averaging three hits and 1.47 blocks per game. Tinordi, through three games with the Black and Gold, is averaging 2.33 hits and one block per game.

Additionally, they are bot doing better when it comes to turnovers and takeaways, as Clifton has more takeaways and less turnovers than Miller and Tinordi has yet to be credited with a turnover but has two takeaways.

So, unless Miller can show he can remain healthy and play at a level higher than the younger (and better) Clifton and Tinordi, I think there’s a good chance this is his last season with Boston.

I just don’t see room for him on the roster next season. Even if the B’s don’t keep Tinordi, Clifton has shown to be a better option and rookie Urho Vaakanainen can serve as a very capable seventh defenseman as he continues to develop.