While much of the talk around Bruins training camp has been about who’s not there (Zdeno Chara and Torey Krug), there’s one player whose presence on the ice Monday stood out to his teammates.
Kevan Miller was finally back and finally healthy after 20 months of hell. The 33-year-old veteran defenseman hasn’t played since April 2019, when he suffered a broken kneecap. His recovery hit numerous setbacks, including a second break and four surgeries all together, and at times it looked like Miller’s career might be over.
But Miller was determined to get back, and the Bruins clearly wanted him back, signing him to a one-year, $1.25 million deal on the first day of free agency this offseason. Now Miller is on the ice and expected to be fully available for opening night next Thursday.
“It was awesome to see him,” said Brad Marchand, with whom Miller runs outdoor sports company March & Mill Co. “I almost got goosebumps watching him. Not only did he come back, but the form that he’s come back in. I mean, he’s an absolute animal right now. Watching him right now, he hasn’t missed a beat. He looks incredible.
“To be in the position he was in, where he really didn’t know what way it was going to go -- I mean, there was the potential for it to be career-ending. He looks awesome. I was so happy for him, not just today. Today we got to see it all in action, but just the way he’s been able to come back. The story that he’s kind of written for himself, it’s very impressive, and I couldn’t be happier for him. He looks awesome.”
To show their appreciation for everything he’s gone through and how hard he’s worked to get back, Miller’s teammates had him lead their first post-practice stretch of the new season, a small but meaningful honor in hockey circles.
“Obviously the reason I did that was because he’s a big part of this team,” said Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins’ presumed next captain. “He’s always led by example, and he’s been around for a while. It’s well deserved. Obviously we all know and we’ve seen what he’s been going through over that last 20 months. He’s been through a lot, and his perseverance and determination during that time has been inspiring.”
While Miller just getting back on the ice is a feel-good story, this is not just a “happy to be there” situation. Miller is expected to challenge for regular playing time on a blue line with plenty of it up for grabs following the departures of Zdeno Chara and Torey Krug in free agency. One area he could especially help pick up the slack left behind by Chara is on the penalty kill. And as one of the few veterans left on defense, he’ll also be expected to be one of the leaders of the group.
“Back in the locker room, obviously you feel more like a leader when you’re with the group,” said coach Bruce Cassidy of Miller. “So hopefully he takes care of his game first, but also recognizes he did a good job of that for us.”