NHL free agency rumors: Ryan Miller to the Ducks?

The Anaheim Ducks are in the market for a goaltender in NHL free agency, and a notable name may be their top target.

After Jonathan Bernier struggled when pressed into duty during the Western Conference Final, the Anaheim Ducks may be looking for better depth between the pipes. On that note, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet has reported “a lot of expectation” that Ryan Miller will land with the Ducks on a deal with a base value of $1 million.

At first glance, the Anaheim Ducks don’t have a weakness between the pipes. They finished the 2016-17 regular season top-5 in the league in fewest goals against (197) and save percentage (.919), led by an All-Star season from John Gibson. But when Gibson went down with a hamstring injury in Game 5 against the Nashville Predators, Bernier promptly allowed four goals on 16 shots in a Game 6 season-ending loss for the Ducks.

Miller has spent the last three seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, who would reportedly like to keep him. In 54 starts last season, Miller had an 18-29-6 record with a 2.80 goals against average, a .914 save percentage and three shutouts.

At 36 years old (37 on July 17), Miller is a long way from his peak with the Buffalo Sabres. He was an All-Star four times in a five season span during his time in Buffalo, highlighted by winning the Vezina Trophy in 2010. But he’s still a useful goaltender now, and would fit nicely as a No. 2 behind Gibson for a Ducks team that probably has a short window to contend for Stanley Cups with their current roster. Forwards Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler are all on the wrong side of 30, and Kesler is not on track to be ready for the start of next season after hip surgery.

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Miller’s wife Noureen DeWulf is an actress, so Southern California looks like an ideal spot for him to finish his career. A one-year incentive-laden deal is reportedly what he’s looking for as an unrestricted free agent, and the Ducks seem ready to deliver that.