The Five Most Likely Trade Scenarios for Ryan Miller

April 23, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie

(30) reacts after losing his mask against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Buffalo Sabres won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

(Due to a server issue, an incomplete draft of this was posted earlier this morning.  I apologize for any confusion!)

Now that the fun that was the 2013 NHL Entry Draft has faded, it is time for fans of the Buffalo Sabres to turn their attention to free agency and the trade market.

There are plenty of players on the Sabres roster who could – and in some cases, should – be traded, but the two players whose fates the Buffalo faithful are most interested in are Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miller.  I’ll examine the possible scenarios that seem the most realistic when it comes to Mr. Vanek in a bit, but today I’d like to examine the five destinations that seem most likely to be Miller’s new place of employment for the 2013-2014 NHL season, ranked in order (mine, mind you) of least likely to most likely.

Please keep in mind: I don’t spend all day on the phone, chatting with agents or front office personnel.  I read the news, I hear rumors, and I read the news more.  Statistically speaking, the overwhelming majority of rumors don’t pan out – they’re rumors!    I’m not in the business of playing Woodward and Bernstein; I’m just keeping my ear to the ground and speculating on what is out there.  Feel free to discuss, but don’t shoot the messenger if none of these scenarios pan out!