Buffalo Sabres: Colin Miller quietly had a good season

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Colin Miller played well in his 38 games of action this season. Will it be enough to warrant a new contract?

The fact Buffalo Sabres defenseman Colin Miller played in just 38 games marred his season. Injury, then a surgery in January directly contributed to most pundits believing Miller turned in a below-average season.

Looking at the overall numbers, though, plus Miller’s situation upon returning to the ice, and you can’t help but admit that the guy actually played better than given credit for.

Not that the Sabres will or even should keep him around. This article isn’t saying they should. It’s merely pointing to the fact Miller quietly played well when given the chance. And it starts with his 14 points in 38 games, which alone was an improvement over his first two seasons in Buffalo.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Colin Miller had a better-than-advertised season

Miller’s 18:59 minutes of ice time was his highest since becoming a member of the Sabres, showing he still had the coaches’ trust when given a chance to play. He wasn’t the physical specimen he’s been, logging just 50 hits in his 38 games. His 42 blocks, however, equated to 1.10 per game, a career-high when you do the math.

So why was Miller often a healthy scratch when he returned from injury? It has nothing to do with bad performances and everything to do with the direction of the franchise. Miller, behind only Mark Pysyk age-wise on the defensive pairings, was the elder statesman. Not the ideal situation when playing for a young hockey team.

It made no sense for the Sabres to insert him into the lineup with five young defensemen they planned on keeping around for the long haul. Six when Owen Power suited up.

While it makes sense for the Sabres to go out and grab a veteran defenseman this offseason, they will be looking for someone more established than Miller. Not that Miller had a bad season. His statistics tell a different story than what he’s been given credit for.

Should the Sabres keep him? Probably not. it just isn’t the right situation in Buffalo. But he showed enough that he can still be a valuable player in the NHL. For someone, at least.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)