Ryan Miller and Steve Ott have been moved. Various sources confirm that the two veterans have been traded from Buffalo to St. Louis. Buffalo receives Jaroslav Halak, Chris Stewart, William Carrier, a first-round draft pick in 2015, and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2016. If the Blues make the Western Conference Finals, or if they re-sign Miller, that pick will become a first round selection.
Speculation on such a move has been on-going since day one of this exciting NHL season; Miller and Ott are unrestricted free agent at year’s end, and for the Sabres to hold on to them for the rest of the season would be to let them go for nothing. Here’s a breakdown of their seasons thus far.
Ryan Miller
The 33-year-old American Olympic Team goalie has had a great season despite playing in front of the NHL’s worst team. Miller’s played in 40 games this year, and in those games he’s held up a .923 save percentage. His goals against average of 2.72 is an inflated number due to the terrible performance the Sabres have put together this season. This is definitely an upgrade for the Blues, and could potentially be what the team needs to make a push in the post-season.
“I got to know some of the (Blues) with (USA Hockey),” Miller said during a news conference in Buffalo after the deal was announced. “They have a very strong competitive spirit, so I look forward to joining that group.”
Steve Ott
The 33-year-old Ott has had a below-average season. He has nine goals and eleven assists with a 42.8% Corsi rating in 59 games played. The number that does scare me is his -1.7% relative Corsi, which doesn’t help. He’s not a bad player, and he does add some versatility and center depth as well as the ability to play wing and filling Chris Stewart’s spot may not be a drop in production.
“I’m really excited to have this opportunity with St. Louis,” said Ott. “My dream and my biggest goal is to have a chance at a Stanley Cup.”
Jaroslav Halak
The 28-year-old Halak is another pending unrestricted free agent goalie. The Sabres may now try to flip him before the March 5th trade deadline. Halak is 24-9-4 this season with a .917 save percentage and 2.33 GAA. He is a smaller goalie who relies on great athleticism to make saves.
Speaking to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Halak said. “(The trade) is still fresh. You’re getting a good goalie. Good luck in the playoffs.”
Chris Stewart
The 26-year-old Stewart could also be flipped by the Sabres, as there is rumored interest in the right winger from the Ottawa Senators. He is in the first year of a two-year deal with a $4.15 million AAV. In 58 games with the Blues this season, Stewart has scored 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points.
William Carrier
Carrier is a 19-year-old prospect who was selected in the second round (57th overall) by the Blues at the 2013 NHL Draft. The left winger has scored 17 goals and 39 assists in 59 combined games with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and Drummondville Voltigeurs so far this season in the QMJHL.
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