The Boston Bruins’ signing of defense prospect Mitchell Miller earlier this week surprised many, however given the nature of the signing, his eligibility to play in the AHL, where Boston intended to place him, or the NHL, where they hope he can play someday, was presumed. Earlier today, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman walked back those assumptions saying, in short, that Miller is not currently NHL eligible and may never be NHL eligible. Substack’s Sean Shapiro, in turn, reached out to the AHL for comment, who have yet to determine his eligibility because as they said, the defenseman is currently suspended in the NHL. Not surprisingly, this story continues to have frequently-changing developments, and this evening, ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski shed more light on the current situation.
According to Wyshynski, the NHLPA tells ESPN that the league has not informed the union of any suspension against Miller or anything that would impact his eligibility. The NHLPA added that “there needs to be more info provided by NHL” as it relates to Bettman’s comments. Wyshynski adds that, per a source, Miller’s contract had been registered with the NHL and there was nothing official to stop the Bruins, or any other team, from signing him. This story is, of course, a difficult one for many reasons, however it is worth considering that, despite Miller’s past, he does gain certain rights within the NHL when he signs an official contract. Further, however the situation as to Miller plays out, it could have an impact on how future similar situations play out. Thus, a diligent, drawn-out review and discussion of all issues may be coming before anything is finalized.
- The recent injury status of the Bruins hasn’t changed much in the past couple days. Recently, it was reported that goaltender Jeremy Swayman would be out week-to-week, while veteran center David Krejci was due back in the lineup tonight. Krejci is in fact playing tonight, however the Bruins did need to activate the center off of IR, which necessitated a corresponding move. In order to add Krejci, Boston has placed Swayman on IR, says The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa, who covers the team. Head coach Jim Montgomery, to avoid creating any additional concerns possibly raised by the transaction, reiterated to reporters, including Shinzawa, that Swayman is still considered week-to-week.
- As relayed by New Jersey Devils team reporter Amanda Stein, head coach Lindy Ruff says that goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood will be seen by doctors back in New Jersey on Tuesday. Blackwood, who was injured in New Jersey’s 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night, had met with doctors in Calgary yesterday ahead of the team’s game against the Flames this evening. In response to the injury, but without wanting to place Blackwood on IR, at least not yet, the Devils recalled goaltender Akira Schmid from the AHL earlier today, sending down winger Andreas Johnsson. The Devils return home after tonight’s game and will next play at home Tuesday evening against these same Calgary Flames.
- Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov left tonight’s game with a lower-body injury and is questionable to return, the team announced. It’s unclear what exactly caused the injury to Orlov, however he has played just 7:02 thus far as the Capitals lead the Arizona Coyotes 1-0 late in the second period.
So Boston invited scorn from every corner of the NHL community just to have Bettman tell them ehh… no. That’s so Bruins. Self-inflicted wounds.
For crying out loud the kid was 14 when he did that. 14. I’m some damn glad I wasn’t still bring held accountable at 20 for the shit I did when I was 14. Maybe he’s still a piece of shit human being, but he deserves the opportunity to show who he is. Gary Betteman is a raging twat waffle.
Do you want to live in a world where people who FOR YEARS racially and physically abuse a DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILD…
A) …go on to have a fine and dandy life, showing others that it’s OK.
B) …are made an example of, so NO ONE thinks such behavior is OK.
This was not a one time thing by a middle school kid. YEARS of constant abuse starting in 2nd grade. SECOND GRADE.
And he only reached out to apologize to the kid and his family AFTER the Bruins contacted him but lied about it, claiming it had nothing to do with hockey. You know, it was just a COINCIDENCE that he only felt the need to apologize YEARS LATER after Sweeney called him.
An unapologetic racist abusive liar.
Good for Gary for seeing this clearly.
PS- Also, good for Bergeron and Marchand and the other players who basically called this kid a POS.
”The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.”
If Miller was black or gay all would be forgiven. But he is unfortunately white and straight, so he will be punished forever. Libs are all about second chances for certain murderers and rapists. But a 14 year old white kid makes a mistake and his life should be ruined. This is why Tuesday will be reckoning day for them.
“Exactly, Patriot!!!
So tired of the woke lib mob trying to make us think that racially abusing and feeding urine soaked things to special needs kids is wrong!!!
Rittenhouse/Miller 2036!!!”