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Drew Miller
Drew Miller
Drew Miller
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Drew Miller (born February 17, 1984) is an American former professional ice hockey winger. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Anaheim Ducks, Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings.

Key Information

Miller was drafted in the sixth round, 186th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut on April 19, 2007, playing with the Anaheim Ducks against the Minnesota Wild. He is the younger brother of former NHL goaltender Ryan Miller.

Playing career

[edit]

Junior

[edit]

Born in Dover, New Jersey and raised in East Lansing, Michigan, Miller played junior hockey for the now-defunct Capital Centre Pride of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) from 2001–2003, totaling 32 goals and 28 assists for 60 points in 102 games. Early in the 2002–03 season, he graduated to the United States Hockey League (USHL).

At 17, Miller played 49 games for the River City Lancers (now known as the Omaha Lancers) of the USHL in the 2002–03 season, posting 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points. He scored nine points in 11 playoff games to help lead the Lancers to the USHL Finals, where they lost three games to one to the Lincoln Stars. Miller played with fellow NHLers Matt Carle and Paul Stastny and was named to the USHL All-Star team.

Miller spent the next three years playing for the Michigan State Spartans of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). He scored his first collegiate goal on January 2, 2004, against the Northern Michigan University Wildcats. The winger improved his point totals in each of his three seasons at Michigan State, scoring 10, 33 and 43 points in 41, 40 and 44 games, respectively. In his last season with the Spartans, Miller was named the team's MVP and the CCHA's Best Defensive Forward. He was also named to the Association's All-Tournament Team after helping Michigan State capture the CCHA title.

Miller was drafted by the then Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the sixth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, 186th overall.

Professional

[edit]
Miller warming up with Detroit during the 2011–12 NHL season

Anaheim Ducks

[edit]

After leading the Spartans in both points and as captain in the 2005–06 season, Miller signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Ducks on May 4, 2006. He joined Anaheim's AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates, during their second round series against the Hartford Wolf Pack, playing in one game.

The next season, he suited up for 79 matches with the Pirates, scoring 16 goals and totaling 20 assists for 36 points to place third on the team.

In 2007, Miller once again moved up to a higher league after completing the regular season with another team. On April 16, Miller was recalled from Portland by Anaheim. Three days later, he made his Ducks and NHL debut at the Honda Center, playing in what would be the final game of the Western Conference Quarterfinal series against the Minnesota Wild.

Coach Randy Carlyle placed the left winger on the Ducks' top line, alongside 2007 All-Stars Andy McDonald and Teemu Selänne, to fill in for the injured Chris Kunitz. In Game One, Miller forced a turnover that Selanne and McDonald capitalized on for the Ducks' first goal of the series. He would also play in the Stanley Cup Finals and would go on to win his first Stanley Cup after just three games in the NHL.

Tampa Bay Lightning

[edit]

He would spend two more seasons in the Ducks organization before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the summer of 2009 for Russian winger Evgeny Artyukhin. Miller went scoreless in 14 games with the Lightning that season.

Detroit Red Wings

[edit]

On November 10, 2009, Miller was put on waivers by the Lightning and was subsequently claimed by the Detroit Red Wings. He made his Red Wings debut on November 12 against the Vancouver Canucks, recording 11:33 minutes of ice time. He scored his first goal in a Detroit uniform on November 23 against the Nashville Predators. Originally brought into Detroit to replace injured players on a temporary basis, he effectively outplayed other young members of the Red Wings. He has since filled in comfortably playing a variety of roles. He finished the 2009–10 season with 10 goals, and 9 assists (zero points with the Lightning) in 80 games split between the Lightning and Red Wings.[1]

During the summer of 2010 the Red Wings re-signed Miller to a one-year $650,000 contract. During the 2010–11 season Miller played 68 games, scoring 10 goals, and eight assists. He played the role of a grinder, spending time primarily on the third and fourth lines, while also contributing on the penalty kill. Most games Miller would play on a line with Justin Abdelkader, Darren Helm, Patrick Eaves and/or veteran Kris Draper. This would alter game to game depending on injuries, and or the matchups coach Mike Babcock saw fit in that particular game.

Following his season, the Red Wings rewarded Miller's efforts by re-signing him to a two-year contract worth $1.675 million on July 1. Each year has an annual cap hit of $837,500.[1] On February 19, 2012, Miller scored his career high 12th goal of the regular season against the San Jose Sharks in a 3–2 Red Wings victory.

During the 2012 NHL lockout, Miller signed with the British Elite Ice Hockey League club Braehead Clan.[2]

On June 29, 2013, Miller signed a three-year, $4.05 million contract extension with the Detroit Red Wings.[3]

On March 31, 2015, Miller suffered two lacerations, one on his right cheek, and one above his right eye, after the skate of Mark Stone of the Ottawa Senators struck him in the face. The four-inch long cut required 60 stitches to close the lacerations. He did not sustain damage to his eye or his vision.[4][5]

Miller finished the 2014–15 season with five goals and eights assists in 82 games. He led all NHL forwards and established a career high in blocked shots during the regular season with 99. This is the highest single-season total in blocked shots by a forward in the past seven seasons. He has led all Red Wings forwards in blocked shots for five straight seasons.[6]

On December 3, 2015, Miller suffered a broken jaw in a game against the Arizona Coyotes. He returned on January 7, 2016, after missing 14 games, however, the comeback lasted less than two games as Miller was hurt in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks on January 10, by a hit by Shea Theodore. It was announced that Miller had to have left ACL reconstruction in addition to meniscus repair and would be out for 4 to 6 months.[7] During the 2015–16 season, Miller recorded one goal and one assist in 28 games. On June 27, 2016, the Red Wings signed Miller to a one-year contract extension.[8] The Red Wings chose not to re-sign Miller following the conclusion of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent after 8 years with the organization.

On September 11, 2017, as a free agent over the summer, the Chicago Blackhawks signed Miller to a professional tryout.[9] On September 21, 2017, Miller was released from the Blackhawks roster following training camp.[10] Midway into the 2017–18 season, Miller signed for the remainder of the campaign with Swedish outfit, Brynäs IF of the SHL, on November 20, 2017.[11]

Personal life

[edit]

Miller comes from a long line of hockey players, as he is the tenth member of his family to play the sport for Michigan State. His best-known relative is older brother and former NHL goaltender Ryan Miller. He is also the cousin of former NHL players Kip, Kevin and Kelly Miller.

Miller has always been involved with the communities in which he plays, taking part in programs such as Teams for Toys, DARE and the Special Olympics. He even created the Spartan Buddy Program, which enabled MSU athletes to make regular visits to local pediatric hospital patients.

Career statistics

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2000–01 Honeybaked U18 AAA MWEHL 26 12 13 25 20 — — — — —
2000–01 Capital Centre Pride NAHL 37 4 3 7 22 — — — — —
2001–02 Capital Centre Pride NAHL 54 18 16 34 56 — — — — —
2002–03 Capital Centre Pride NAHL 11 10 9 19 — — — — — —
2002–03 River City Lancers USHL 49 14 11 25 26 11 5 4 9 6
2003–04 Michigan State University CCHA 41 4 6 10 39 — — — — —
2004–05 Michigan State University CCHA 40 17 16 33 20 — — — — —
2005–06 Michigan State University CCHA 44 18 25 43 30 — — — — —
2005–06 Portland Pirates AHL — — — — — 1 0 0 0 0
2006–07 Portland Pirates AHL 79 16 20 36 51 — — — — —
2006–07 Anaheim Ducks NHL — — — — — 3 0 0 0 2
2007–08 Anaheim Ducks NHL 26 2 3 5 6 — — — — —
2007–08 Portland Pirates AHL 31 16 20 36 12 16 1 7 8 12
2008–09 Anaheim Ducks NHL 27 4 6 10 17 13 2 1 3 2
2008–09 Iowa Chops AHL 53 23 15 38 10 — — — — —
2009–10 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 14 0 0 0 2 — — — — —
2009–10 Detroit Red Wings NHL 66 10 9 19 10 12 1 1 2 4
2010–11 Detroit Red Wings NHL 67 10 8 18 13 9 1 1 2 4
2011–12 Detroit Red Wings NHL 80 14 11 25 20 5 0 1 1 2
2012–13 Braehead Clan EIHL 23 15 15 30 7 — — — — —
2012–13 Detroit Red Wings NHL 44 4 4 8 2 6 1 1 2 2
2013–14 Detroit Red Wings NHL 82 7 8 15 21 5 0 1 1 0
2014–15 Detroit Red Wings NHL 82 5 8 13 25 7 1 1 2 2
2015–16 Detroit Red Wings NHL 28 1 1 2 2 — — — — —
2016–17 Detroit Red Wings NHL 55 5 2 7 18 — — — — —
2016–17 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 7 2 1 3 0 — — — — —
2017–18 Brynäs IF SHL 29 5 5 10 6 — — — — —
NHL totals 571 62 60 122 136 60 6 7 13 18

Awards and honors

[edit]
Award Year
CCHA All-Tournament Team 2006 [12]
Braehead Clan Wall of Fame 2016 [13]
Stanley Cup champion 2007

Stanley Cup win 2007: By playing in the Cup final, Miller automatically qualified to have his name engraved on the Cup, and was included in the Stanley Cup picture.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Drew Miller

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Drew Miller (born February 17, 1984) is an American former winger who played 571 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 2007 to 2017, primarily with the . Over his NHL career, he accumulated 62 goals, 60 assists, and 122 points while playing for the , , and . Miller won the as a member of the during the 2007 playoffs. Born in Dover, New Jersey, Miller grew up in a hockey-oriented family; his brothers, Peter and Ryan , also pursued professional careers in the sport. He honed his skills in youth leagues before joining the (USHL) with the River City Lancers, where he developed into a reliable forward known for his speed and defensive play. Miller then attended , playing for the Spartans in the (CCHA) from 2003 to 2006, where he recorded 86 points (39 goals and 47 assists) in 125 games and helped the team reach the 2006 NCAA Frozen Four. Selected by the of Anaheim in the sixth round (186th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, he signed his first professional contract with the organization in 2006. Miller made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks during the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he appeared in three games en route to their championship victory, having spent the 2006-07 regular season in the minors. He then played 46 games for Anaheim in the 2007-08 regular season. Traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in August 2009 before being claimed off waivers by the Detroit Red Wings in November 2009, he spent the majority of his career with the Red Wings, appearing in 551 games and becoming a key penalty-killer and bottom-six forward over seven seasons. In 2013, he received votes for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, recognizing his sportsmanship and on-ice performance. After playing briefly in Sweden's SHL with Brynäs IF in 2017–18, Miller retired from professional hockey in 2018. Since then, he has transitioned into a career in the insurance industry as a licensed property and casualty agent with the Korotkin Insurance Group in Michigan, while remaining active with the Detroit Red Wings alumni association through charity events and youth hockey initiatives.

Early life and education

Family background

Drew Miller was born on February 17, 1984, in , but his family relocated to , shortly thereafter, where he was raised in a hockey-centric environment. As part of a prominent multi-generational hockey family, Miller became the tenth relative to play for the Spartans, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Butch Miller, father , uncle Lyle Miller, and various cousins who donned the Green and White. This deep familial connection to the program underscored the hockey heritage that permeated his upbringing, with relatives spanning amateur, collegiate, and professional levels. Miller's immediate family further reinforced this legacy, as he is the younger brother of , a longtime NHL who won the in 2010 and represented the in multiple Olympics. His cousins—Kip Miller, who won the 1990 [Hobey Baker Award](/page/Hobey Baker_Award) and played 449 NHL games; Kevin Miller, with a 13-year NHL career; and Kelly Miller, who skated for 15 NHL seasons—also achieved professional success, highlighting the clan's extensive influence in the sport. Growing up in East Lansing, Miller immersed himself in Michigan's youth hockey scene from an early age, playing in local leagues such as the Tri-Valley League and with the Capital Area Selects, which provided foundational skills amid constant exposure to the MSU program through family ties. These experiences, shaped by his relatives' achievements, fostered a competitive drive that propelled him toward organized junior hockey.

Junior hockey

Miller began his junior hockey career with the Capital Centre Pride of the (NAHL), playing from 2000 to 2003 and accumulating 102 games with 60 points (32 goals and 28 assists). During the 2001-02 season, he recorded 18 goals and 16 assists in 54 games, showcasing emerging offensive contributions while developing as a left winger known for his speed and tenacity. In the 2002-03 season, he split time between the Pride and the River City Lancers of the (USHL), posting 10 goals and 9 assists in 11 NAHL games before transitioning to the USHL. With the Lancers in 2002-03, Miller played 49 regular-season games, tallying 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points, along with a plus-17 rating, and added 9 points in 11 playoff games. His play in these leagues highlighted a strong and focus on defensive responsibilities, including shot-blocking and penalty killing, which became hallmarks of his style as a gritty left winger. This period was influenced by his family's deep hockey roots, with multiple relatives having NHL experience, fostering his commitment to the sport from an early age. Miller's junior performance culminated in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, where he was selected 186th overall in the sixth round by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

College career

Drew Miller enrolled at Michigan State University in 2003, where he played forward for the Spartans men's ice hockey team in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) through the 2005–06 season. As a freshman in 2003–04, he appeared in 41 games, recording 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points, contributing to a team that reached the NCAA Tournament. His development accelerated in subsequent years, with sophomore and junior campaigns showcasing improved offensive output while maintaining strong defensive play. In 2004–05, Miller skated in 40 games, leading up to 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points, earning an and helping the Spartans secure a strong regular-season finish. His junior year in 2005–06 marked a career peak, as he captained the team through 44 games, tallying 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points—team highs in scoring—along with a +7 rating that underscored his two-way reliability. These efforts propelled Michigan State to the 2006 CCHA regular-season and tournament titles, with Miller earning selection to the CCHA All-Tournament Team for his contributions, including key goals in playoff wins. Miller's on-ice excellence was complemented by team honors, as his teammates voted him the 2006 MSU Hockey at the annual awards banquet. He also received the CCHA Best Defensive Forward award, recognizing his penalty-killing prowess and faceoff wins, and the Ilitch Humanitarian Award for initiatives like the Spartan Buddies program. Additionally, the Amo Bessone Award highlighted his balance of athletics, academics—maintaining a strong GPA amid rigorous demands—and extracurricular involvement. This well-rounded profile led to an early departure after his junior year, signing a three-year entry-level contract with the in May 2006 and joining their AHL affiliate, the , for the playoffs.

Professional playing career

Anaheim Ducks

Following his college career at , where he had been selected by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the sixth round (186th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Miller signed a two-year entry-level contract with the on May 3, 2006. Miller began his professional career in the (AHL) with the Ducks' affiliate, the , during the 2006–07 season, where he recorded 16 goals and 20 assists in 79 games. He was called up to the Ducks for the and made his NHL debut on April 19, 2007, in Game 2 of the first round against the . In the playoffs, Miller appeared in three games for Anaheim, registering no points but earning a plus-one rating, including two games in the Final against the where he delivered a significant hit in Game 2 that contributed to a Ducks goal. Despite his limited ice time as part of the "Black Aces" group of extra players, Miller was on the roster for the Ducks' championship run and became part of the organization that defeated 4–1 in the series to win the 2007 . Miller remained in the Ducks' system through the 2008–09 season, splitting time between the NHL and AHL affiliates. In 2007–08, he played 26 regular-season games with Anaheim, scoring 2 goals and 3 assists, while also appearing in 31 AHL games with Portland. The following year, after the Pirates relocated to become the Iowa Chops, Miller skated in 27 NHL games for the Ducks (4 goals, 6 assists) and 53 AHL contests with Iowa, and he dressed for 13 playoff games during Anaheim's run to the Western Conference Finals.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Following his time with the Anaheim Ducks, where he established an NHL presence with 53 games played over three seasons, Miller was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning on August 13, 2009, in exchange for forward Evgeny Artyukhin and a third-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. In the 2009–10 season, Miller appeared in 14 games for the Lightning, recording no points while serving primarily in a depth forward role on the bottom-six lines and contributing to the team's penalty kill efforts. His limited ice time reflected the transitional nature of his stint, as the Lightning sought to bolster their forward depth amid roster adjustments. On November 11, 2009, Tampa Bay placed Miller on waivers, and he was promptly claimed by the Detroit Red Wings, ending his brief tenure with the organization after less than three months.

Detroit Red Wings

Drew Miller was claimed off waivers by the from the on November 11, 2009. He quickly established himself as a valuable depth forward, signing a one-year contract extension on July 6, 2010, followed by a two-year deal in 2011 and a three-year contract on June 14, 2013. Over eight seasons with the Red Wings from 2009 to 2017, Miller appeared in 504 regular-season NHL games, recording 56 goals and 51 assists while primarily serving on the checking lines and contributing significantly to the penalty kill unit. His tenacity, speed, and shot-blocking ability made him a reliable grinder, often logging key minutes in defensive situations during the team's consistent playoff appearances. Miller's most productive year came in the 2011–12 season, when he achieved career highs with 14 goals and 25 points in 80 games, providing secondary scoring from the bottom-six forwards. He played a supporting role in multiple postseason runs, including the Red Wings' appearances in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, where his penalty-kill work helped stabilize the team's special teams. Throughout his tenure, Miller occasionally spent time in the with the Grand Rapids Griffins, including a notable assignment in January 2017 amid injuries, where he recorded 2 goals and 1 assist in 7 games. During the , Miller signed with the Braehead Clan of the in on October 8, 2012, where he emerged as the team's leading scorer with 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points in 23 games. He returned to the Red Wings in January 2013 once the lockout ended, continuing his role as a steady veteran presence.

Overseas play

Following the end of his contract with the Detroit Red Wings after the 2016–17 NHL season, during which he played 55 games before suffering a season-ending injury, Miller signed with Brynäs IF of Sweden's SHL on November 20, 2017, midway through the 2017–18 campaign. In 29 regular-season games with Brynäs, the 33-year-old winger contributed 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points, providing veteran leadership on a team that finished 10th in the standings and clinched the final playoff spot. Brynäs upset seventh-seeded Luleå HF in the first round (2–1 series) before falling to top-seeded Växjö Lakers HC in the quarterfinals (1–4). At the conclusion of the season in May 2018, Miller retired from professional hockey at age 34, prioritizing family considerations—including his wife and young daughters—and a transition to a stable off-ice career.

Post-retirement activities

Insurance career

After retiring from professional hockey in 2018 following a season in , Drew Miller transitioned into the industry by starting work with an agency in . In September 2020, Miller joined Korotkin Insurance Group (KIG), a Southfield, Michigan-based firm founded in , as an agent. He holds licenses in property and and is pursuing additional certifications in life and health coverage. Miller specializes in personal lines such as , auto, , and policies, as well as commercial for businesses. He draws on his hockey background to network effectively, gaining credibility and clients through interactions with former teammates, Red Wings alumni, and fans from community events. As of March 2025, Miller continues to work at KIG as an agent, expressing enthusiasm for the stability and personal fulfillment of his insurance career.

Media and community involvement

Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2018, Drew Miller has engaged in various media appearances to share insights from his career and post-playing life. In a March 10, 2025, interview on 101 WRIF's YouTube channel with host Meltdown, Miller discussed his NHL experiences, including strategies for penalty kill situations against power plays and reflections on his time with the Detroit Red Wings. This conversation highlighted his role as a key contributor to the team's defensive units during his eight seasons in Detroit. As president of the Alumni Association, Miller actively participates in alumni events that support youth hockey development and charitable causes. In April 2025, he joined fellow for a charity game in , benefiting local organizations through the association's ongoing initiatives for minor hockey programs. He has similarly contributed to events like the March 15, 2025, alumni matchup at Big Boy Arena, promoting community involvement and inspiring young players. On November 14, 2025, as president of the alumni association, Miller participated in the ninth annual Power Play for Heroes charity hockey game, where the Alumni faced Team STAHLS' at Civic Ice Arena in , raising funds for Medical Service Dogs. Miller's commitment to community programs extends from his college days at , where he founded the Spartan Buddies initiative in 2005 to pair student-athletes with pediatric patients at Sparrow Hospital for ongoing support and visits. The program, which he helped establish as a driving force during his time as a Spartan hockey player, continues to foster athlete-child connections in the East Lansing area, reflecting his enduring dedication to youth outreach.

Personal life

Family connections

Drew Miller married Colleen in the early , and the couple has two daughters born in and 2019. Post-retirement, Miller has prioritized family life in the Detroit metropolitan area, where he and Colleen raise their children while he builds his insurance career. Miller maintains a close bond with his older brother, , a retired NHL who held the record for the most wins by an American-born netminder in league history with 391 victories until 2024. The siblings, who occasionally faced off against each other during their careers, continue to share a strong familial tie rooted in their shared hockey upbringing. He also remains connected to his NHL cousins—Kip Miller, a winner with 449 games played; Kelly Miller, who had a 15-year career; and Kevin Miller, with a 13-year NHL tenure—all of whom contributed to the family's storied legacy in the sport. During his career transitions, including his 2018 retirement after playing overseas in , Miller's family provided crucial support, influencing his decision to return to for stability. The relocation allowed him to stay close to extended family while avoiding the rigors of coaching that would separate him from and his young daughters. This choice reflected the hockey family legacy's emphasis on balance, where the Millers' multigenerational commitment to the game—spanning 10 State players and five NHL participants—instilled values of perseverance and family-centered priorities that guided his post-playing life.

Philanthropy and interests

Following his retirement from professional hockey, Drew Miller has remained active in charitable efforts through the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association, participating in numerous charity hockey games to support local causes in Michigan. In April 2025, he joined fellow alumni for the 16th annual Hockey Night event in Howell, where the team played against a local squad to raise funds for four community charities, including youth programs and health initiatives. Earlier that year, in January 2025, Miller visited patients at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, interacting with children and staff to bring joy during their treatments, highlighting his focus on pediatric care. He has also taken part in high-profile alumni matchups, such as the November 2024 Stahls' Power Play for Heroes game against a celebrity team, which benefited military veterans and first responders, and a April 2025 contest representing the alumni against other NHL veterans to aid children's foundations. These events underscore his continued dedication to Michigan-based organizations supporting children's hospitals and community health, building on earlier contributions like donations tied to his on-ice blocks during his playing career that funded programs at the Children's Hospital of Michigan. Miller maintains an ongoing commitment to through the Spartan Buddy Program, which he founded in 2005 as a student-athlete to connect MSU athletes with pediatric patients. The initiative, now integrated into UM Health-Sparrow's community partnerships, enables current Spartans to make regular visits to the Children's Center, offering companionship and encouragement to children facing serious illnesses. His creation of the program earned him recognition as a humanitarian finalist during his collegiate years, and it persists as a key alumni legacy supporting student-athlete engagement in . In 2021, Miller served as Honorary Hockey Chairman for the State Games of , promoting athletic opportunities for youth while reinforcing ties to MSU's outreach efforts. Outside of philanthropy, Miller pursues personal interests in and outdoor activities, often sharing these as ways to unwind post-retirement. He has participated in charity golf outings, including the 2023 Joe Kocur Foundation event alongside fellow Red Wings alumni to support youth causes. In July 2025, as president of the Red Wings Alumni Association, he discussed upcoming plans with former teammate during a media appearance, emphasizing the sport's role in team bonding. Fishing remains a favored pastime; summers often find him at his lakeside cottage near Grand Rapids, where he relaxes with family amid Michigan's natural surroundings. While not formally , Miller informally mentors young players through alumni interactions, drawing from his youth hockey experiences to offer guidance on skill development and perseverance.

Career statistics

NHL and AHL totals

Drew Miller's NHL career spanned 10 seasons from 2007 to 2017, during which he appeared in 571 regular-season games, scoring 62 goals and 60 assists for 122 points and accumulating 136 penalty minutes while playing for the , , and .

Regular Season by Team

TeamYearsGPGAPTSPIM
2007–200953691523
2009–2010140002
2009–20175045651107111
In the NHL playoffs, Miller played 60 games over six postseasons, recording 6 goals and 7 assists for 13 points and 18 penalty minutes, contributing to the Ducks' 2007 victory in a limited role.

Playoffs by Team

TeamYearsGPGAPTSPIM
2007, 2009162134
2010–2013, 201544461014
Miller's AHL career included 170 regular-season games across five seasons from 2006 to 2017, where he tallied 57 goals and 56 assists for 113 points and 73 penalty minutes, primarily with the and briefly with the Iowa Chops and .

Key AHL Seasons

TeamSeasonGPGAPTSPIM
2006–20077916203651
2007–20083116203612
Iowa Chops2008–20095323153810
2016–201772130

International and other leagues

Drew Miller began his junior hockey career in the (NAHL) with the Capital Centre Pride. In the 2000–01 season, he recorded 4 goals and 3 assists in 37 games. The following year, 2001–02, Miller improved significantly, tallying 18 goals and 16 assists for 34 points in 54 games. He started the 2002–03 season in the NAHL, posting 10 goals and 9 assists in 11 games before transferring to the (USHL). In the USHL, Miller joined the River City Lancers for the 2002–03 season, where he contributed 14 goals and 11 assists in 49 regular-season games, helping the team reach the Clark Cup finals. In the , he added 5 goals and 4 assists over 11 games. These junior performances showcased his development as a reliable forward with scoring potential ahead of his collegiate career. During the , Miller played for the Braehead Clan in the (EIHL), appearing in 23 regular-season games and leading the team as its top scorer with 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points. He also participated in the EIHL Cup, recording 2 goals and 1 assist in 3 games. This stint provided Miller with valuable European experience while maintaining his competitive edge. In the 2017–18 season, following his release from the organization, Miller signed with of the (SHL). He played 29 regular-season games, registering 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points. This brief overseas engagement marked the end of his professional playing career. Miller did not represent the in senior international tournaments, though he competed in minor youth events such as the 1993–94 Invitational and the 1997–98 Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament.
LeagueSeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM
NAHL2000–01Capital Centre Pride3743722
NAHL2001–02Capital Centre Pride5418163456
NAHL2002–03Capital Centre Pride111091912
USHL2002–03River City Lancers4914112526
EIHL2012–13Braehead Clan231515307
SHL2017–182955106

Awards and honors

Collegiate achievements

During his junior season at in 2005–06, Drew Miller was recognized for his defensive prowess and leadership on the ice, contributing to the Spartans' success in the (CCHA). Miller was named to the CCHA All-Tournament Team in 2006, honoring his standout play during Michigan State's tournament run, which culminated in a championship victory. He received the CCHA Best Defensive Forward award for the 2005–06 season, acknowledging his strong two-way game, including 11th-place league ranking in scoring and 14th in assists while excelling in penalty killing. Miller was voted the Michigan State hockey team's for the 2005–06 season by his teammates, reflecting his pivotal role in the program's achievements that year. In recognition of his balance of athletic excellence, academic performance, and community involvement, Miller earned the Amo Bessone Award in 2006, an honor given annually to a Michigan State hockey player exemplifying these qualities. Additionally, he was presented with the CCHA's Mike and Humanitarian Award in 2006 for his outstanding citizenship, contributions to his team, university, and community off the ice.

Professional accomplishments

Drew Miller achieved his most notable professional milestone as a member of the ' 2007 Stanley Cup championship team, where he appeared in three playoff games during the Ducks' run to the title, defeating the in five games. His contributions in the postseason, including a key hit in Game 1 of the Final that set up a goal, helped solidify the Ducks' defensive efforts en route to the victory. Miller's name was engraved on the as a result of his participation in the finals. In recognition of his impactful performance during the , when he joined the Braehead Clan of the and recorded 20 points in 24 games while serving as team captain, Miller was inducted into the Braehead Clan Wall of Fame in 2016. This honor highlighted his leadership and on-ice presence during a brief but memorable stint in , where he helped elevate the team's profile. Following his NHL retirement in 2017 after 504 games primarily with the , Miller transitioned into alumni roles that underscored his enduring legacy in the sport. In 2021, he was named the Honorary Hockey Chairman for the State Games of , celebrating his professional career and contributions to the game. By 2025, Miller had been appointed president of the Alumni Association, a position that recognizes his longevity and positive influence within the organization.

References

  1. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/milledr01.html
  2. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/11405/drew-miller
  3. https://www.nhl.com/player/drew-miller-8470778
  4. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=69845
  5. https://collegehockeyinc.com/players/career/22852
  6. https://www.dbusiness.com/people/retired-red-wings-player-drew-miller-joins-korotkin-insurance-group/
  7. https://njsportsheroes.com/drewmillerh.html
  8. https://msuspartans.com/news/2003/12/2/the_miller_family_lineage.aspx
  9. https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports/2017/12/07/q-ryan-miller-weighs-state-msu-hockey-15-year-career-and/929765001/
  10. https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2014/11/red_wings_qa_drew_miller_on_tramily.html
  11. https://msuspartans.com/news/2004/12/7/drew_miller_building_his_own_legacy
  12. https://www.ocregister.com/2007/05/30/drew-miller-latest-in-talented-family-line/
  13. https://msuspartans.com/news/2006/5/3/miller_signs_pro_contract_with_nhl_s_mighty_ducks
  14. https://msuspartans.com/news/2006/3/7/Drew_Miller_Named_2006_MSU_Hockey_Most_Valuable_Player
  15. https://msuspartans.com/news/2006/3/16/miller_lerg_win_ccha_honors
  16. https://theahl.com/stats/player/1234/8/drew-miller
  17. https://msuspartans.com/news/2007/7/3/Drew_Miller_Brings_Stanley_Cup_To_East_Lansing_On_Thursday_July_5
  18. https://www.ocregister.com/2007/05/28/drew-miller-a-big-hit-on-first-shift/
  19. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/ANA/2007.html
  20. https://www.nhl.com/ducks/team/all-time-trades
  21. https://sportsforecaster.com/nhl/p/13421/Drew_Miller/transactions
  22. https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2010/07/red_wings_sign_drew_miller_to.html
  23. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/9387501/drew-miller-detroit-red-wings-agree-deal
  24. https://griffinshockey.com/news/drew-miller-assigned-to-griffins-1
  25. https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2013/01/red_wings_drew_miller_treasure.html
  26. https://www.quanthockey.com/shl/en/teams/brynas-if-players-2017-18-shl-stats.html
  27. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/swehl20142018.html
  28. https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2020/10/former-red-wing-drew-miller-finds-niche-in-insurance-industry.html
  29. https://www.facebook.com/drewmillerinsurance/
  30. https://wrif.com/2025/03/04/the-detroit-red-wings-alumni-to-face-off-against-the-montreal-canadians/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdy4--QDPg8
  32. https://www.nhl.com/redwings/team/alumni-association
  33. https://www.whmi.com/news/article/hockey-night-brings-red-wings-alumni-to-howell-for-local-charities
  34. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2336148833068293/posts/9971998342816599/
  35. https://www.wxyz.com/news/red-wings-alumni-set-to-face-off-against-team-stahls-in-power-play-for-heroes-charity-hockey-game
  36. https://msuspartans.com/news/2009/6/18/Spartan_Buddies_Bring_Athletes_Children_Together
  37. https://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/blog/2021/4/22/bbic2ku21mj1nj9tzhrou38sup22p6
  38. https://www.facebook.com/HenryFordHealth/posts/a-special-thanks-to-detroit-red-wings-legend-drew-miller-for-bringing-smiles-to-/1142265940867529/
  39. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/korotkin-insurance-group_a-few-weeks-ago-our-very-own-drew-miller-activity-7313947625936822273-YX09
  40. https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/red-wings-players-donated-312590-to-support-charitable-programs-in-2014-15/
  41. https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/um-health-sparrow-community-health/about-um-health-sparrow/um-health-sparrow-partnerships/michigan-state-university
  42. https://msuspartans.com/news/2006/1/20/Drew_Miller_Named_Humanitarian_Finalist
  43. https://www.wxyz.com/sports/joe-kocur-foundation-golf-outing-draws-stanley-cup-champs-celebs-rising-nhl-stars
  44. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL8AyJFueJw/?hl=en
  45. https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2010/03/its_miller_time_when_red_wings.html
  46. http://www.mihockey.com/2015/09/video-drew-miller-talks-youth-hockey-advice-for-young-players/
  47. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/stats/players?id_season=18&id_stage=1&id_team=&order=8&order_direction=2&start=0&limit=50&start=50
  48. https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/glasgowclan/18786738.drew-miller-forever-grateful-brief-spell-clan/
  49. https://www.bbc.com/sport/ice-hockey/20931595
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