News Article: "...Miller may have eyes set on Ducks."

[Kasparov]

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/27/report-blues-want-to-lock-up-miller-but-he-might-have-eyes-set-on-ducks/

Uhh...guys?

If this guy just up and walks away for what we just gave up for him, I'm going to start throwing things.

Click to read more...

 

[Falco Lombardi]

I would stay calm for now.

 

[illninofan*]

I thought they had Frederik Andersen and John Gibson vying for the #1 spot.

Oh well.

 

[Falco Lombardi]

I thought they had Frederik Andersson and John Gibson vying for the #1 spot.

Oh well.

Not to mention Jonas Hiller

 

[bleedblue1223]

Wait for something of actual substance to be said before freaking out.

 

[Zip15]

Don't put much stock in this stuff, guys. It's low-hanging fruit for journalists. Miller to SoCal has been the go-to rumor for awhile when there's nothing else to write about. Whenever asked about being away from his wife, Miller has answered the question and said they both understand the setup and are fine with it. Besides, she's with him about half the season, anyways.

More importantly, I don't see Anaheim having any interest in giving Miller any sort of term beyond a year or two. They're ready to turn their crease over to Gibson (see Friedman's recent comment in a 30 thoughts column that the easiest way to make Bob Murray to laugh is to ask if Gibson is available). I can't see the Ducks being interested in Miller for the term he can get from the other alternatives, namely the Blues.

FYI- This same crap happened before Miller signed his current contract with the Sabres. Everyone was freaking out that Miller wanted to go home to Michigan. Buffalo News columnist Jerry Sullivan asked Miller if he was interested in playing for the Red Wings, and Miller, in not so many words, essentially said, "Just because I'm from Michigan doesn't mean I'm going to go play for Detroit."

 

[Alklha]

Not to mention Jonas Hiller

Who isn't signed beyond this season and the Ducks were rumoured to have been in on Miller earlier in the season, only to be put off by the stupid demands of the Sabres. It was obvious before this recent speculation that it was between us and Anaheim for Miller.

It is the same as the Stastny situation, we will know at the draft exactly what is happening. If Miller hasn't signed by the draft then he isn't coming back IMO.

 

[Kasparov]

Who isn't signed beyond this season and the Ducks were rumoured to have been in on Miller earlier in the season, only to be put off by the stupid demands of the Sabres. It was obvious before this recent speculation that it was between us and Anaheim for Miller.

It is the same as the Stastny situation, we will know at the draft exactly what is happening. If Miller hasn't signed by the draft then he isn't coming back IMO.

But if we sign him after the draft, don't we only give up the 3rd?

 

[Alklha]

But if we sign him after the draft, don't we only give up the 3rd?

Miller is free to talk to any team in the League from 2 days before the draft. We have no incentive to let that happen, even if we sign him before the draft and lose our 2014 first, we get the Minnesota 2nd and the Buffalo 3rd as part of that clause. That isn't such a big deal.

 

[Oberyn]

I don't mind that Miller is waiting till FA to make a decision as that gives us the opportunity to see him in the playoffs before trying to go all-in on him. Miller hasn't really impressed me, and obviously it takes a while for a goalie to adjust to his defense, but his tendency to over-commit is a real concern.

If Miller does end up walking to the Ducks, I'm not going to be concerned about our goaltending. I honestly have a lot of faith in Elliott, and if we do end up re-signing him I would be more than thrilled. I'd be more concerned about the fact that we gave up a bundle of assets for a 3 month rental.

If we end up winning a cup with Miller though, he can walk for all I care.

 

[Falco Lombardi]

But if we sign him after the draft, don't we only give up the 3rd?

we give up a 2nd.

As opposed to giving up a 1st and getting a 2nd and 3rd back.

 

[LGB51]

I'd be bummed for a bit, but with Hiller hitting FA and ANA apparent willingness to overlook Andersen I would be more then happy to get one of them in ST. Louis. Then we just need to re-sign Elliot.

Why would they look to let Hiller go, who his a year younger then Miller and just as good imo, when Miller gave hints earlier in the season of costing a arm and a leg for his next contract?

 

[Falco Lombardi]

I really don't think Miller is going to find a better fit than here.

 

[Megalodan]

Back when the Blues traded for Halak everyone on the internet was 99% sure he was going to sign in the KHL. People just need to worry about it I guess.

 

[stlbluz]

I have faith in Liut as his agent & Allen as a back-up for next season. Non issue at this point.

 

[bluesman11]

Didn't I hear that from someone...

If it were to go down that way, then Hiller would be available.

 

[bluesman11]

I'd be bummed for a bit, but with Hiller hitting FA and ANA apparent willingness to overlook Andersen I would be more then happy to get one of them in ST. Louis. Then we just need to re-sign Elliot.

Why would they look to let Hiller go, who his a year younger then Miller and just as good imo, when Miller gave hints earlier in the season of costing a arm and a leg for his next contract?

The big contract demands have more to do with wanting out of Buffalo, and his statement that wherever he went it would certainly be a rental suggests he has plans.

Now just because this is his perfect scenario, doesn't mean it will happen unless he has been given some insurances, which we all know can't happen because that's tampering.

 

[Alklha]

The big contract demands have more to do with wanting out of Buffalo, and his statement that wherever he went it would certainly be a rental suggests he has plans.

Now just because this is his perfect scenario, doesn't mean it will happen unless he has been given some insurances, which we all know can't happen because that's tampering.

And as Armstrong basically said last summer, tampering is widespread.

 

[Thallis]

I'd be bummed for a bit, but with Hiller hitting FA and ANA apparent willingness to overlook Andersen I would be more then happy to get one of them in ST. Louis. Then we just need to re-sign Elliot.

Why would they look to let Hiller go, who his a year younger then Miller and just as good imo, when Miller gave hints earlier in the season of costing a arm and a leg for his next contract?

From the sound of it, Anaheim has been planning on moving on from Hiller for a while. Honestly, I like the idea of signing Hiller this offseason better than Miller. I think he'll be cheaper and not require as big of a contract, while still being proven to be able to carry the load for 60 or so games so we can have Allen as Backup.

 

[2 Minute Minor]

And as Armstrong basically said last summer, tampering is widespread.

Can you elaborate on this comment?

 

[superblues]

Does anybody know how Hiller stacks up, quantitatively and qualitatively.

In my mind, I'd ranked him in the same category as Halak, maybe a couple of notches higher. But I don't know if this assessment is accurate.

 

[bluesman11]

Can you elaborate on this comment?

Just because there's rules against cheating, doesn't mean it don't happen, they just can't be stupid and leave a paper or digital trail.

 

[Alklha]

Can you elaborate on this comment?

He gave at least 2 different interviews saying similar things last summer when talking about the new CBA rules that allow teams to talk to pending FA's in the last week of June. Here is one of his comments...

"To me, it's just legalized tampering now, I was always amused that on July 1st at 11:01 central time, somebody's signing for $45m or $50m dollars. This just cleans up the process. And yes I do like this. It seems to be much more above board."

Not long after he made these comments, several teams made complaints to the League that the new rules were being abused (the Blues are suspected of being one of the teams to make a complaint) and teams were discussing financial terms with players and basically asking them to beat the money.

 

[Blues88]

There was absolutely nothing of substance in the article, so right now, its a total non issue.

If Miller wants to leave in the off season and we have an opportunity to sign Hiller-so be it. The trade still works from that standpoint, and you'd likely be able to get Hiller for less than Miller anyway. Hiller is a solid option to me.

Having said that, I want Miller to sign. Why wouldn't he? If you're looking to contend, I don't think there is anything to suggest that Anaheim, over the course of the past 3 or so seasons, is a better option than this team. If he has other reasons, meh, what can you do?

 

[bluesman11]

There was absolutely nothing of substance in the article, so right now, its a total non issue.

If Miller wants to leave in the off season and we have an opportunity to sign Hiller-so be it. The trade still works from that standpoint, and you'd likely be able to get Hiller for less than Miller anyway. Hiller is a solid option to me.

Having said that, I want Miller to sign. Why wouldn't he? If you're looking to contend, I don't think there is anything to suggest that Anaheim, over the course of the past 3 or so seasons, is a better option than this team. If he has other reasons, meh, what can you do?

I think a lot agree with this, like you I prefer Miller or Hiller, but if they did end up with Hiller the trade is still pretty much the same, The Blues upgraded their goaltending.