News:Drew Miller (hand) will play in Game 2 against Chicago on Saturday, Detroit News writer John Niyo reports.
Analysis:Drew Miller will displace Todd Bertuzzi from the rotation, giving Detroit a bit more burst on the fourth line.
News:Drew Miller (hand) has been cleared to play, NHL.com's Brian Hedger reports.
Analysis: It's not clear whether Drew Miller will play in Saturday's Game 2 against Chicago, but coach Mike Babcock previously implied that Miller would play once medically cleared. We'll watch for confirmation on that.
News:Drew Miller (hand) could rejoin the lineup for Saturday's Game 2, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis:Drew Miller's four-week recovery timetable for his thumb injury has now ended, and although he expressed the injured digit wasn't quite 100 percent, he believes he can play through any minor pain that might exist. Miller's return would add some speed to the lineup and aid the team's penalty kill.
News: Though Drew Miller won't need surgery on his broken hand, he will be out four weeks, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: With that, Drew Miller's regular season comes to an end, with modest totals of eight points and two PIMs in 44 games for the Wings.
News:Drew Miller suffered a broken hand during Saturday's game and is out indefinitely, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis:Drew Miller has struggled to contribute on a consistent basis for the Red Wings this season, as he has just eight points in 43 games. He has seen most his playing time on the fourth line.
News:Drew Miller left Saturday's game with an upper-body injury and will not return, according to CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
Analysis: The brother of Ryan is a depth player for the Wings and his fantasy value is limited to the deepest of specialty formats.
News:Drew Miller had a pair of assists in the Wings' win over the Blues on Thursday night.
Analysis: The points were Drew Miller's first of the season, which is been an issues for the Wings' bottom-six forwards thus far. After playing in Scotland during the lockout, Miller has been used in a very similar role (12:39/game) to last season as a depth player in Detroit.
News:Drew Miller has agreed to a deal with Scottish club Braehead Clan of the Elite Ice Hockey League, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: With many of the NHL stars snagging top jobs in the KHL or Swiss Elite League, a third- or fourth-liner like Drew Miller was forced to settle for a lesser job in the EIHL. Even so, Miller should get plenty of playing time in the UK after scoring a career-high 14 goals last season for the Red Wings.
News:Drew Miller notched an assist in Monday's win over Nashville, giving him five points in the last five games.
Analysis:Drew Miller's numbers on the season are average, with 12 points in 33 games, but he has been busy of late with four of his season's seven goals in the last five games. He's more of a defensive player for Detroit, but he does have his moments on the attack.
News:Drew Miller scored the game-winning goal Monday to give the Wings a victory over Edmonton.
Analysis:Drew Miller now has six goals on the season, with four of them coming in the last five games. He looks primed to pass his career high in goals, but given that he only needs 11 goals to do that, it isn't all that impressive.
News:Drew Miller potted the game-winning goal in Friday's win over Edmonton.
Analysis: His role hasn't changed much from previous seasons with the Wings as he'll log most of his time on the fourth line and with the penalty-killing unit.
News: Detroit has re-signed Miller to a two-year deal worth $800,000 in 2011-12, and $850,000 in 2012-13, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports.
Analysis: Miller, who has 200 games worth of NHL experience, figures to help the Wings out on its lower lines. Detroit is plowing through free agency, having also signed unrestricted free agent forwards Miller and Patrick Eaves, plus defenseman Jonathan Ericsson.
News: Miller will become an unrestricted free agent this summer and his return to Detroit is uncertain, MLive.com reports.
Analysis: He's been a nice fourth-line contributor during his time in Detroit, producing 37 points in 133 games since being claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay during the 2009-10 season. Miller collected just $650,000 from the Wings this season, so a larger payday elsewhere with the possibility for an expanded role could ultimately punch his ticket out of town and open up a role for Jan Mursak.
News: Miller will not be in the lineup for Wednesday's Game 3 against the Sharks, MLive.com reports.
Analysis: The Red Wings reportedly will turn to Kris Draper, who has much more playoff experience than Miller, for fourth-line duty as the team hopes to avoid falling to a 0-3 series deficit against the Sharks.
News: Miller will be scratched Wednesday against the Hurricanes, Mlive.com reports.
Analysis: With just 16 points in 65 games this season, one would need to be really committed to the Red Wings to consider him in playoff pools.
News: Miller lit the lamp twice Monday against the Kings
Analysis: This was the first two goal game of Miller's career. A nice game for the veteran grinder, but you still don't want him on your team.
News: Miller was the Wings' healthy scratch Saturday with Mike Modano and Val Filppula returning to the lineup.
Analysis: Perhaps a rotation of some sort will be worked out, but Miller's steady minutes on the checking line appear to have at least temporarily disappeared as the forward corps in front of him is returning to health.
News: Miller had a huge fantasy night Saturday. He had a goal and two assists in an OT win over Columbus. He was also plus-4.
Analysis: What a night. It's his first career three-point night in the NHL and it stretches his scoring streak to three games (two goals, three assists, plus-6). He's playing like he has Velcro on the puck and he might be worth a waiver grab to back-fill an injury for a game or two.
News: Miller will replace Kris Draper in the lineup for Friday's game against Chicago, the Red Wings' official site reports.
Analysis: At the present time, the Wings have a four-man rotation including Miller, Draper, Patrick Eaves and Jiri Hudler for the 12th forward spot. Unless Hudler heats up in his third-line gig, none of the quartet members have much upside for fantasy owners to benefit from.
News: Miller will be a healthy scratch Wednesday against Nashville, MLive.com reports.
Analysis: He remains a part of the Wings' revolving door on the checking line, which could be a trend that stops if the team becomes tired of Jiri Hudler's lackluster play. Until that happens, however, Miller and Patrick Eaves will continue to spend time in the press box as part of a three-man rotation with Kris Draper.
News: Miller will be a healthy scratch for the second straight game Monday against Phoenix, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: With Jiri Hudler taking Miller's spot on the fourth line, he'll have to wait his turn to get back into the lineup in the coming days as head coach Mike Babcock doesn't have a lot of flexibility with his depth guys at the present time.
News: Miller will move up to the Wings' second line in place of Johan Franzen (concussion) for at least Saturday's game in Phoenix, MLive.com reports.
Analysis: For now, Franzen is considered day-to-day and this arrangement should be thought of as temporary. Miller will return to a checking-line role as soon as Franzen is healthy enough to get back into the lineup.
News: Miller will have to earn his roster spot during training camp, MLive.com reports.
Analysis: With 14 forward spots and 16 players who will have to clear waivers in order to be sent down, it's going to be a tough battle for Miller even after he emerged as a trusted penalty killer and checking-line grinder in his first season with Detroit. Keep in mind that even if he sticks, there's not a great deal of value here.
News: Detroit winger Drew Miller was on the ice on Tuesday at St. Louis as he returned from an ankle issue. Miller did not record any points in the game.
Analysis: Miller has been a great energy-line guy for Detroit and has been able to take advantage of some injuries to rack up opportune points. Unfortunately, Detroit is starting to get healthy and that means less scoring chances for Miller, who still has marginal Fantasy appeal.
News: The Detroit Free Press reports Red Wings GM Ken Holland said Sunday he is optimistic injured forwards Tomas Holmstrom and Drew Miller will play on Tuesday against the Blues. Patrick Eaves is less likely to play. Holmstrom suffered a bruised left knee Saturday at Los Angeles, and Miller took a shot off the left ankle. Eaves suffered a sprained ankle.
Analysis: Miller has been a great energy-line guy for Detroit and has been able to take advantage of some injuries to rack up opportune points. Unfortunately, Detroit is starting to get healthy and that means less scoring chances for Miller, who still has marginal Fantasy appeal.
News: Red Wings LW Drew Miller left Saturday's loss to the Kings with an ankle injury.
Analysis: Miller had been playing pretty well since early January, so this injury comes at an inopportune time. Luckily he's only a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Red Wings LW Drew Miller scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 on Friday against the Predators. Miller gave Detroit a 3-1 lead as he beat Dan Ellis with a backhand shot. It was his seventh goal and second in five games. He has four points in that span.
Analysis: Miller has totaled 12 points in his last 28 games. He is also plus-6 in that span. He has delivered great results for Detroit since being plucked off waivers. The Red Wings love his versatility. Unfortunately, Miller isn't scoring enough to be anything more than a low-end Fantasy flier in the deepest of formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Tampa Bay had no use for Drew Miller, but the Red Wings have discovered many good uses for the 25-year-old forward. Miller has been more versatile than anyone imagined when the Wings claimed him off waivers from the Lightning on Nov. 11. In addition to filling a defensive role and killing penalties, he is doing well in his temporary role on the second line and No. 2 power-play unit. He has provided more offense than was expected (five goals, five assists in 31 games) and believes he has untapped offensive potential. "Throughout my career I've been more of a checker, penalty-killer, (but) in the minors and college I played offense and defense, power play and penalty kill," Miller said. "You want to be a two-way player so that you can play offense and be counted on defensively."
Analysis: Valtteri Filppula, Daniel Cleary and Miller have given the team a viable second scoring line, something it lacked much of the season while ravaged by injuries. Miller will return to the fourth line once Tomas Holmstrom comes back from his broken foot near the end of the month. Until then, he is trying to maximize the opportunity. Miller has marginal Fantasy appeal until he really lights up the scoreboard.
News:Drew Miller had a goal and an assist, and Jimmy Howard made 37 saves to help the Detroit Red Wings beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 on Thursday night. Miller's power-play goal 1:34 into the second period made it 2-0. He put in a loose puck from the front of the net for his fifth goal. It was his first score since Dec. 17.
Analysis: Miller hasn't quite lit up the scoreboard since Detroit snagged him off waivers earlier this season from Tampa Bay. However, he has managed to keep a spot in the Detroit rotation. Miller continues to have marginal Fantasy appeal despite the big night.
News: Red Wings LW Drew Miller scored against one of his former teams during a 3-0 win against the Lighting on Thursday. Miller gave the Red Wings a 1-0 lead 8:24 into the game with his fourth goal. He knocked Brian Rafalski's head-man pass out of the air with his stick at the Tampa Bay blue line, gained control of the puck to sweep in from the left side and put a backhand shot over Mike Smith as the Lighting goaltender dove to try and poke check the puck. Miller flew through the crease as he completed the play. Detroit claimed Miller off waivers from Tampa Bay earlier this season. "It's a business move for them. They chose to get rid of me," he said. "You've got to land on your feet and make the most of wherever you're at. No hard feelings toward them."
Analysis: Miller has two goals and two assists during a three-game point streak. He has taken on more of an offensive role with all the injuries Detroit has sustained lately, but we aren't sure how long Miller can keep this up. Miller has been one of those reclamation projects for the Red Wings since they have been so good at turning players careers around in the past. Still, Miller has marginal Fantasy appeal since he isn't lighting up the scoreboard.
News: C Drew Miller had a goal and an assist for his first multiple-point game as a Red Wing on Saturday against the Predators. Drew Miller doubled the Detroit lead at 11:37 of the second. Pavel Datsyuk's shot from the left side hit the crossbar, but Miller was posted in front and knocked the puck out of the air and into the goal. A brief video review confirmed the call that Miller did not deflect the puck with a high stick. "It's definitely nice to have some personal success," Miller said. "The biggest thing was us getting the two points, it's nice to get one on the road like this one."
Analysis: Miller, who has played a lot at center the last few games, believes he is capable of providing more offense despite being in more of a checking role. Miller has been one of those reclamation projects for the Red Wings since they have been so good at turning players careers around in the past. Still, Miller has marginal Fantasy appeal since he isn't lighting up the scoreboard.
News: Detroit LW Drew Miller scores his second goal of the season and second in just over a week on Monday in a 4-1 win over Dallas. Miller's only two points on the season are his two goals.
Analysis: Miller has been an outcast in Anaheim and Tampa Bay, but Detroit looks at the Michigan State alum as a reclamation project. They have had success in the past with such projects, i.e. Daniel Cleary, so they are going to test Miller out while Detroit goes through some injury issues. Miller has low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: Red Wings LW Drew Miller scored his team's only goal during a 3-1 loss to the Predators on Monday. Miller got Detroit on the board at 6:38 of the second as he skated along the line through traffic and scored his first goal of the season on a wrister.
Analysis: Miller has been an outcast in Anaheim and Tampa Bay, but Detroit looks at the Michigan State alum as a reclamation project. They have had success in the past with such projects, i.e. Daniel Cleary, so they are going to test Miller out while Detroit goes through some injury issues. Miller has low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: The Red Wings have claimed LW Drew Miller off waivers from the Lightning.
Analysis: Miller has zero points in 14 games this season and has no Fantasy value.
News: The Ducks have acquired right wing Evgeny Artyukhin from Tampa Bay for left wing Drew Miller and a third-round selection in the 2010 NHL draft. The deal was announced Thursday.
Analysis: Miller had four goals and six assists for the Ducks last season. He appeared in all 13 playoff games, with two goals, one assist and two penalty minutes. He was selected by Anaheim in the sixth round of the 2003 draft. Miller has had a tough time cracking the Ducks' lineup full time and it will be interesting to see how he fits with the Lightning. Miller could have sleeper potential, but can be left off most Fantasy rosters until he finds an everyday job.
News: Ducks LW Drew Miller scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Sunday's game against the Avalanche. Miller padded the lead to 4-1 when he scooped the puck into the net during a scramble in the crease for his fourth goal. All four have come in the last seven games.
Analysis: The rookie has spent most of the season with Iowa of the American Hockey League. Miller could get a fair amount of PT down the stretch for Anaheim, but still has low-end Fantasy appeal despite his recent hot streak.
News: Ducks LW Drew Miller scored his team's only regulation goal during a 2-1 shootout win against the Predators Tuesday. Teemu Selanne helped Anaheim grab a 1-0 lead at 17:38 of the second period as he carried the puck into the Nashville zone along the right side before faking a shot to freeze Pekka Rinne. He then passed to Miller, who moved to the low slot before beating Rinne with a wrister to the stick side.
Analysis: Miller's goal was his third in 18 games this season and second in his last three since his recall from the minors. The rookie has spent most of the season with Iowa of the American Hockey League. Miller could get a fair amount of PT down the stretch for Anaheim, but still has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Ducks LW Drew Miller was reassigned to Iowa of the AHL Friday. Miller had four assists and no goals with 11 penalty minutes in 13 games since originally being recalled on Jan. 3.
Analysis: Miller hasn't been able to find a full-time role with the Ducks and appears to be just organizational depth at this point. He is not a top offensive threat and has minimal Fantasy appeal at this time.
News: Ducks LW Drew Miller tallied an assist and finished at even in 10:59 of ice time Monday against the Sabres. He has an assist in two straight games and three of six.
Analysis: Miller has found himself in the Ducks' rotation since his recall in early January, but it's still as a lower-line forward. He is not a top offensive threat and has minimal Fantasy appeal at this time.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Ducks LW Drew Miller made his season debut Sunday against the Coyotes after having been recalled Saturday from American League affiliate Iowa. He didn't have a point in 8:54 of ice time Sunday.
Analysis: Miller, 24, had two goals and five points in 26 games with the Ducks last season and also appeared in three Stanley Cup playoff games during the club's drive to the 2007 championship. The former Michigan State forward is trying desperately to be a permanent fixture in the NHL, but still has some work to do. He is still not a recommended Fantasy option.
News: LW Drew Miller has signed a two-year contract with Anaheim. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Analysis: Miller appeared in three Stanley Cup playoff games with the Ducks in 2007 and had two goals and three assists in 26 regular-season games in 2007-08. The former Michigan State forward is trying desperately to be a permanent fixture in the NHL, but still has some work to do. He is still not a recommended Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports LW Drew Miller, who appeared in three Stanley Cup playoff games with the Ducks in 2007 and had two goals and three assists in 26 regular-season games in 2007-08, remains an unsigned restricted free agent.
Analysis: The former Michigan State forward is trying desperately to be a permanent fixture in the NHL, but still has some work to do. Even if he signs on in 2008-09, Miller is not yet a recommended Fantasy option.
News: Ducks LW Drew Miller was returned to Portland of the AHL Sunday as George Parros came off injured reserve. Miller played in just one game since being recalled Jan. 15.
Analysis: Miller, the younger brother of Sabres G Ryan Miller, has two goals and three assists in 26 games this season. The rookie still has a lot of potential, but is nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper at this juncture.
News: Ducks LW Drew Miller was recalled from the AHL Monday to take the roster spot of enforcer George Parros, who was placed on injured reserve.
Analysis: Miller, the younger brother of Sabres G Ryan Miller, has two goals and three assists in 25 games this season. The rookie still has a lot of potential, but is nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper at this juncture.
News: The Ducks optioned LW Drew Miller to Portland of the AHL on Thursday less than 24 hours after acquiring RW Brandon Bochenski in a trade from Boston.
Analysis: Miller, the younger brother of Sabres G Ryan Miller, has two goals and three assists in 25 games this season. The rookie still has a lot of potential, but is nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper at this juncture.
News: LW Drew Miller, playing again his older brother, Buffalo G Ryan Miller, for the first time in the NHL, had two shots on goal against Buffalo Wednesday.
Analysis: Miller usually plays on either the third or fourth line, and has four points (2 G, 2 A) in 19 games this season. He is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Ducks LW Drew Miller made his first appearance in four games on Friday against the Oilers, after having missed one because of a strained left knee and having been a healthy scratch in the previous two.
Analysis: Miller usually plays on either the third or fourth line, and has four points (2 G, 2 A) in 18 games this season. He is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve when healthy.
News: LW Drew Miller, who missed Sunday's 3-2 victory over visiting Los Angeles because of a strained knee, took part in Tuesday's pre-game skate and was available for duty at Vancouver, but was not in the lineup.
Analysis: Miller usually plays on either the third or fourth line, has four points (2 G, 2 A) in 17 games this season. He is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve when healthy.
News: Ducks forward Drew Miller missed a second game with a strained left knee Sunday against the Kings. He is still considered day to day.
Analysis: Miller, who usually plays on either the third or fourth line, has four points (2 G, 2 A) in 17 games this season. He is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports LW Drew Miller did not play after the first period Friday against the Coyotes because of a strained left knee. The severity of the injury was unknown, coach Randy Carlyle said.
Analysis: Miller, who usually plays on either the third or fourth line, has four points (2 G, 2 A) in 17 games this season. He is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve when healthy. He is day to day.
News: Forwards Petteri Wirtanen and Drew Miller both netted their first Wednesday to lift the Anaheim Ducks to a 3-1 victory against the Nashville Predators. "It's nice to see young players score their first goal," coach Randy Carlyle said. "It's a tribute to the scouting staff and our management that we're able to find these young players to come in and make a contribution."
Analysis: Miller, playing in his third NHL game, made it 3-1 on a breakaway with 7:37 remaining. He got the puck from Andy McDonald just inside the Anaheim blue line, made a slick move away from defenseman Dan Hamhuis and raced the length of the ice before putting a short wrist shot between Mason's legs. "I was able to get the puck past their defenseman and tried to get some speed going," Miller said. "Mason showed me the five-hole and I took it. It's just nice to get that first one out of the way." Despite the goal, he remains useful only in deeper Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: If the Ducks thought they had problems putting together two capable scoring lines before, what in the world are they going to do now that newly acquired Todd Bertuzzi will apparently be out of the lineup indefinitely? Bertuzzi was injured in the first period of Sunday night's 2-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild at Honda Center. While it wasn't definite after the game, Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said all appearances were that Bertuzzi had suffered a concussion as the result of a first-period hit from Minnesota tough guy Derek Boogaard.
Analysis: What is clear is that however long Bertuzzi might be sidelined, beginning with Monday night's matchup against the powerful Detroit Red Wings at Honda Center, the Ducks will be short not one, but two, wingers legitimately capable of playing on the first and second lines. They have the Ryan Getzlaf-Corey Perry and Andy McDonald-Chris Kunitz tandems, but after that, they're looking at options such as checker Todd Marchant, fourth-liner Brad May, journeyman Mark Mowers and rookie Drew Miller. The bottom line is that it's not pretty. Bertuzzi is "highly doubtful" for Monday night's game against visiting Detroit. Marchant, Miller and Mowers have limited Fantasy value, even if they see more chances.
News: Having decided that rookie right wing Bobby Ryan needs more seasoning, the Ducks sent him to American League affiliate Portland, Maine. Holding out left wing Travis Moen as a precaution because of a big hit he took the night before in Columbus, the Ducks recalled left wings Drew Miller and Jason King from Portland and inserted both into the lineup in Saturday's 5-4 loss at Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Miller, recalled from American League affiliate Portland, Maine earlier in the day, made his NHL regular-season debut. Miller appeared in three playoff games with the Ducks last season. Miller isn't worth using in most Fantasy formats for now.
News: The Anaheim Ducks have assigned Jason King, Drew Miller, Aaron Rome, Brett Skinner and Petteri Wirtanen to Portland of the AHL on Monday.
Analysis: Only King has any decent NHL experience. None of the players mentioned above are worth any Fantasy consideration heading into the regular season.
News: The Anaheim Ducks assigned RW Colby Genoway, LW Curtis Glencross, D Kent Huskins, G David McKee, LW Bjorn Melin, LW Drew Miller, C Geoff Peters, D Aaron Rome, D Brett Skinner, C Karl Stewart, G Michael Wal, and C Petteri Wirtanen to Portland of the AHL on Tuesday.
Analysis: None of the players the Ducks sent down are worthy of any Fantasy consideration.
