Ryan Miller trade rumors are heating up as the NHL prepares to return from its long Olympic break, with reports that the Buffalo Sabres are working hard to shop their All-Star goaltender around the league.
Miller still hadn’t returned to the team as the week began and he made his way home from the Sochi Games, but the team may need to get used to him being gone. A source close to the Sabres said that general manager Tim Murray is pursuing offers as the March 5 trade deadline approaches.
“Tim is testing the waters as hard as he can,” the person told The Associated Press .
At 15-34-8, the Buffalo Sabres are dead last in the NHL coming out of the Olympics break. They are expected to be one of the NHL’s biggest sellers as the trade deadline approaches and the rebuilding squad looks to pick up young talent and draft picks.
The Buffalo Sabres are reportedly trying to trade Ryan Miller first, though a second option would be to try to re-sign the goalie, who will become an unrestricted free agent after the season ends.
Murray, who is reportedly shopping captain Steve Ott and leading offensive weapon Matt Moulson as well, said no player is considered off-limits.
“This team’s in last place right now,” Murray said in January when he took over for the fired Darcy Reiger.. “Everybody can be traded.”
Even head coach Ted Nolan said he doesn’t know what to expect regarding Miller .
“I think that’s the key right there, not knowing,” Nolan said. “We can’t worry about who might be gone, who might be coming in. Today is the day we have to work with what we’ve got. And tomorrow, whatever we’ve got here, then we’ll work with that, too.”
The St. Louis Blues have been reported as a team showing strong interest. Ryan Miller has not spoken about the trade rumors.
