Drew Miller

Lore & Background

Miller was drafted in the sixth round, 186th overall, in the 2003 NHL entry draft and made his NHL debut on April 19, 2007, playing with the Anaheim Ducks against the Minnesota Wild. He is the younger brother of former NHL goaltender Ryan Miller. Born in Dover, New Jersey and raised in East Lansing, Michigan, Miller played junior hockey for the Capital Centre Pride and the River City Lancers, then spent three years at Michigan State University. He won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007 after playing in the first round of the playoffs. He later played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings, and also spent time with Brynäs IF of the SHL.

In Their Own Story

The Manchester arena smelled like stale coffee and Zamboni fluid. Miller was lacing up in the corner of the bench, the rubber of his skates creaking under the fluorescent lights. The Monarchs were down two, third period, and the coach's voice cut through the din: "Miller, you're on the PK. Don't let them cycle. You know the drill."

He skated out, the ice cold under his blades, the roar of the crowd a white hum. A winger from the opposing team came in hot, stick low, eyes locked on the net. Miller met him at the blue line, shoulder squared, and the collision was a dull thud that traveled up his arms. The puck squirted loose. He picked it up, read the slot, and fired a one-timer that kissed the crossbar and dropped back in.

The bench erupted. Miller just nodded, peeled off the boards, and skated back to the neutral zone. Another shift. Another job done. The kind of night that never makes the highlight reel but keeps a defense from breaking down, one quiet, grinding play at a time.

Reader's Guide

Miller was a left winger known for his defensive play, earning CCHA Best Defensive Forward honors at Michigan State. He played a grinder role in Detroit, often on the third and fourth lines and on the penalty kill. He led all NHL forwards in blocked shots in the 2014–15 season with 99.

Did You Know?

• Miller scored his first NHL goal on November 23, 2009, as a member of the Detroit Red Wings against the Nashville Predators.
• He suffered a skate cut to his face in 2015 that required 60 stitches.
• Miller created the Spartan Buddy Program, enabling Michigan State athletes to visit local pediatric hospital patients.