Injuries force B’s Miller into retirement
Kevan Miller, a quiet but inspirationally tough leader for the Bruins, has decided that his ravaged knee will not allow him to play hockey anymore.
The 33-year-old defenseman, who returned to action in the 2020-21 season after battling through four separate knee surgeries stemming from a broken knee cap near the end of the 2019 regular season, announced on Instagram that he was retiring on Wednesday morning.
“Although my spirit for the game is there, unfortunately my body isn’t,” wrote Miller. “My overall health and my family are now the priority. This was not an easy decision to make, but it’s time to hang up my skates.”
The B’s now must replenish some of their defensive depth, especially on the right side. Along with the Miller retirement, Steven Kampfer left the organization to play in the KHL in Russia and the B’s could very well lose another right defenseman, Connor Clifton, in next week’s expansion draft. The left-handed Jeremy Lauzon could move over and play the right side — if he’s not the one taken — but the B’s need some bodies on the back end.
But Miller’s retirement did not come as a shock to Bruins’ management. In his season-ending interview with reporters, Miller, who would have been a restricted free agent, said he had to do some soul-searching and speak to his family about whether or not he should continue what for him was an arduous process to play hockey at the highest level on a regular basis.
Miller was held in high regard in the Bruins’ dressing room and beyond.
“I’m so proud of everything he’s accomplished in his career,” said captain Patrice Bergeron. “He worked so hard in his career and worked so hard to come back (from the knee injury), he’s the ultimate warrior and a great teammate. I’m proud to have been his teammate. We’ll remain friends, of course, but I just wanted to wish him luck in the future and to give all my best to his family, because I know this has been a tough decision for all of them.”
Peter Fish, Miller’s longtime agent, said: “Kevan is one of the best human beings that you could ever want to meet. He’s the consummate professional in every way. He was a fierce competitor and the definition of a perfect teammate. Off the ice, he is the type of person that you want your son to grow up like. Respectful, honest and full of integrity.”
Miller suffered the original knee injury when he crashed into the end boards at Xcel Energy Center in a late regular-season game against the Minnesota Wild on April 4, 2019.
After surgery, a determined Miller tried to make it back before the playoffs were over, but while the Bruins were competing in the Eastern Conference Finals in Carolina, he suffered another break of the knee cap while training.
He suffered more setbacks and underwent two more surgeries, causing him to miss the entire 2019-20 season and subsequent COVID bubble playoffs.
But Miller was able to return for the shortened 2020-21 season and played very well right out of the gate, helping the B’s establish themselves as a playoff team.
Midway through the season, however, his knee issues caught up to him. Miller had to remain out of the lineup from Feb. 18 to April 6 and had to be careful about overworking the knee, skipping morning skates and practices so he’d be ready for gametime.
Ironically, it wasn’t the knee that ended his season but rather a head shot from the Washington Capitals’ Dmitry Orlov in Game 4 of the first round that gave Miller a concussion. The B’s closed out that series in five games. He would have returned for a Game 7 against the Islanders, but the B’s were knocked out in six games.
“I’ve had the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the world, it’s been an honor and something I’ll forever cherish,” wrote Miller in his post. “That aside, I think I’ve taken for granted how lucky I am to come across a group of guys, from college to pro, that have been like brothers to me. I will miss the small things, the pregame rituals, the group chats, post practice shenanigans, thank you to all my teammates past and present.
“I’ll keep the family stuff personal but I wouldn’t be here without you all, I love you guys.”
And then he signed off, “Forever a Bruin.”