One of the toughest Boston Bruins to lace them up in the past decade has called it a career.
Kevan Miller announced his retirement on Wednesday via his Instagram. After missing the entire 2019-20 season, the 33-year-old defenseman returned on a one-year deal this past season. But between a knee injury and a concussion, Miller was only able to skate in 28 games. The product of the University of Vermont played in a total of 352 games, all with the Bruins, tallying up 71 points and 281 PIMs.
Not only was Miller known for his toughness battling injuries, but he was a bruiser to play against. He was never afraid to drop the gloves and chuck some knucks when it was needed.
In honor of Miller’s career with Boston, here are the best fights of his career.
Miller sends a flurry of rights against Zack Smith.
The tale of the tape was even. Same height, same weight for Miller and Zack Smith.
The result? Far from equal. Smith didn’t even get to throw a single punch, as his helmet popped off thanks to some hefty right hands and Miller sent Smith crumbling into the corner.
Travis Moen’s face is introduced to Miller’s fist.
After Miller cross-checked Dale Weise from behind, Travis Moen came over to stand up for his teammate. Moen immediately was put to the ice, but got back up and even after a bit of grappling, landed a couple of punches that shook the balance of Miller for a second
Well, Miller then righted himself and sent a knuckle right to Moen’s jaw and the Hab had to be helped off the ice. Great intentions by Moen, but he might have regretted it after.
Miller and Tom Wilson double down in a preseason game.
What’s better than watching anyone fight Tom Wilson? Someone doing it twice!
Wilson certainly got the better of Miller in the first bout, sending Miller’s bucket way up in the air. But the Bruins’ bruiser got some revenge in the second go-round, holding his own and eventually tossing Wilson to the ground. Granted, most of Miller’s punches looked to be connecting with the shoulder but hey, it’s Tom Wilson so who really cares, punch away.
Miller uses his reach advantage against Joe Vitale.
You got to feel bad for Joe Vitale a bit. Towards the conclusion of the fight, you see Vitale throw three rights and none come close to connecting. Miller has the clear reach advantage and you can see that smile creep on Miller’s face before he delivers a clean, quick blow that results in the white flag being waved by Vitale.
I mean, seriously, I can’t stop watching that grin. That’s a predator knowing he has his prey trapped and nowhere to go.
A good old-fashioned tilly between Miller and Nicolas Deslauriers.
Sometimes the best fights are the ones without a clear winner. Just a classic bout with both guys flying as many punches as they can and taking just as many.
OK, so maybe when you slow it down, there isn’t a ton of connections on these punches. But there are still a few that found skin. It’s fights like these that are so fun to watch.
Tage Thompson sticks up for his teammate and Miller sticks him to the ground.
Pretty fitting that this ends up being the final fight of Miller’s career. After a borderline hit from Miller on Rasmus Asplund, Tage Thompson steps up to defend his teammate and credit him for doing so. But as a result, he eats a good three to four rights from Miller and it’s over before it’s even started.
You can check out every fight from Miller’s professional career at hockeyfights.com.