BUFFALO – Right now isn’t the time to look back, Ryan Miller said. The franchise goalie is playing Friday, his 533rd start with the Sabres.
Still, the 33-year-old, who’s usually thoughtful, couldn’t help himself during a nearly 10-minute chat with the media this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center.
With the NHL trade deadline just six days away, Miller knows Friday could be his last game here.
“It’s kind played out for a little while,” said Miller, who’s heard trade rumors for almost a year. “So I’m trying not to be too sentimental. I think everyone in Buffalo kind of knows how I feel about the city. I’ve always enjoyed the people. I’ve always enjoyed the city. Big love for the city in my heart.
“I don’t think right now’s the time to reflect. You take that time. It’s still time to focus and play hockey.”
Miller wanted to thank everyone in Buffalo “who’s been a friend, been a supporter, been a fan.”
“You don’t do things on your own,” he said. “That collective energy from the city, people have to realize how much that makes a difference to us, to the players. It’s great place to play hockey. You feel a part of something. You feel appreciated.”
The rebuilding Sabres are searching for a good place to trade Miller, general manager Tim Murray said Tuesday. Miller, an unrestricted free agent following the season, acknowledged again today he’s likely leaving.
“I’m answering these questions because it seems likely given my status at the end of the year they’re likely to trade me, and that’s where we’re at,” he said. “If we had more time to see what moves they made before the trade deadline when it’s a logical business move, I could take all summer and we could see where everything shakes out.
“But it seems like it’s a risky proposal for both sides. Right now, it’s a business decision. It’s not really a personal thing. See where it goes.”
In other news, interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan said center Tyler Ennis, out Wednesday with “general body soreness,” could play Friday against San Jose. Nolan said Ennis is still sore.
Center Zenon Konopka (finger) should play, Nolan said.
We appreciate you too Ryan