Predicting Which Bruins Free Agents Return or Leave

Mar 3, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) during the second period against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) during the second period against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 16: Kevan Miller #86 of the Boston Bruins skates off the ice after the loss to the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on January 16, 2021, in Newark, New Jersey. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the game is played without fans. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Boston Bruins 2-1. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 16: Kevan Miller #86 of the Boston Bruins skates off the ice after the loss to the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on January 16, 2021, in Newark, New Jersey. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the game is played without fans. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Boston Bruins 2-1. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Kevan Miller

When Miller suffered a knee injury early in the 2019 postseason, the veteran went through nearly 18 months of rehab to continue his NHL career.

Last October when free agency started, the Bruins surprisingly announced that they reached an agreement with Miller on a one-year deal to return to the Black and Gold. It certainly a head-scratcher, but Miller made the roster on Opening Night in New Jersey and was paired with rookie Jakub Zboril on the third pairing.

As has been his case in the Boston career, Miller once again battled injuries this season, playing in just exactly half of the 56 games this regular season with a goal and an assist. He averaged 19:04 a night.

In the playoffs, the former University of Vermont standout played in four games and suffered an injury in Game 4 of the first-round against the Capitals when he was hit up high by Caps defensemen Dmitry Orlov carrying the puck into the offensive zone.

Miller missed the final seven playoff games and the 33-year-old once again enters free agency. Like last season, it would be a bigger surprise if the Bruins bring him back. A physical veteran blueliner, but he just can’t stay healthy.

Prediction: Miller signs somewhere else or retires.