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Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller
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Ryan Dean Miller (born July 17, 1980) is an American former ice hockey goaltender who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) mostly for the Buffalo Sabres. Miller was drafted 138th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. In 2010, he won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender. Miller was the winningest American-born goaltender in NHL history from February 2019 until March 2024, when he was passed by Jonathan Quick.[1] In January 2023, Miller was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall Of Fame, and his #30 was retired. In April 2025, Miller was also inducted into the Rochester Americans Hall of Fame.[2]

Key Information

He was selected to play for the United States in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as the team's starting goaltender.[3] He won a silver medal with the team and was named most valuable player of the tournament. Four years later, he was selected for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Miller is one of 39 goaltenders in NHL history to win 300 games in his career.

Miller is known for his hybrid style of goaltending. He is the older brother of former NHL forward Drew Miller.

Early life

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Miller grew up in East Lansing, Michigan. He started playing youth hockey in California. In youth hockey, Miller originally played as a forward, however, Miller became frustrated with the poor play of his team's goaltender, so he begged his coach as well as his father, Dean Miller, to let him try it out. His father told him that if he could get two goals and three assists the next game he would buy Ryan a catching glove. Miller finished the game with two goals and three assists in the win.[4] His brother Drew and cousins Kelly, Kevin and Kip all played in the NHL. All five attended Michigan State University, where Ryan Miller played goaltender for three years.[5]

Playing career

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Miller with the Rochester Americans in 2004

Buffalo Sabres (2002–2014)

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After three seasons with Michigan State, Miller moved to the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played for the Buffalo Sabres' affiliate, the Rochester Americans, from the 2002–03 season until the 2004–05 season. During the 2002–03 season, he played 15 regular season games for Buffalo. In the 2004–05 season, with the NHL not playing due to a lockout, he won 41 games for the Americans, tying Gerry Cheevers' record. He finished the season with a 2.45 GAA.

In 2004–05, the Americans were the North Division and Regular Season champions in the AHL. They lost in the division finals, however, to the Manitoba Moose.

Miller finished the 2005–06 season by establishing himself as the starting goaltender for the Sabres. He ranked 11th among NHL goaltenders with a 2.60 GAA and ninth in a save percentage, with .914. Miller led the Sabres to a surprise season, winning 30 games and advancing to the conference finals.

After the 2005–06 season, Miller became a restricted free agent and waived his right to arbitration. Mike Liut, Miller's agent, continued to negotiate with the Sabres through the summer. On September 8, 2006, the Sabres announced that they had re-signed Miller to a three-year contract.

Miller with the Sabres in 2010.

The 2006–07 season would prove a successful one. In his first season starting with the number one job, Miller and his team won the first 10 games in a row. Miller was voted the starting goaltender for the Eastern Conference of the 2007 NHL All-Star Game. In a 12–9 loss, Miller played the first period and allowed three goals. Miller also gained a reputation of a shootout specialist with his technique of challenging the shooter outside the crease. That season he was 10–4 in shootouts, with Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils being his closest rival at 10 wins and 6 losses. In 63 games played that season, Miller posted a .911 save percentage and a 2.72 GAA backing a more offensively-oriented team.

In the post-season of that year, the Sabres advanced to their second conference finals in as many years, losing to the Ottawa Senators in five games. Miller posted a .922 save percentage and 2.22 GAA in the playoffs.

On October 11, the Sabres won their second home game of the 2007–08 season with a 6–0 win over the Atlanta Thrashers. Miller earned a shutout, stopping 20 shots in a game following the death of his 18-year-old cousin, Matt, who had died the Monday before of a complication with a bone-marrow transplant. At the close of the game, Miller raised his stick to the home crowd in tribute and received star honors for his effort in net.

Miller's helmet with the words "Matt Man".

On January 1, 2008, Miller played with the Sabres in the AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic, which was the first outdoor NHL game to be held in the United States. The game was played at Ralph Wilson Stadium, home to National Football League's Buffalo Bills, in Orchard Park, New York. The Sabres lost in a shoot-out to the Pittsburgh Penguins, but Miller only allowed one goal (out of 25 shots) in regulation. On March 28, Miller played in his 73rd game of the season, breaking the Sabres franchise record for most games played in a season, passing Grant Fuhr, Dominik Hašek and Martin Biron. Miller finished the season with 76 games played, recording a 2.64 GAA and a .906 save percentage.

On July 18, 2008, Miller signed a five-year contract extension worth $31.25 million[6] with the Sabres. The contract took effect at the start of the 2009–10 season. Miller suffered a high-end ankle sprain on February 22, 2009, in a game against the New York Rangers, which kept him out of action until late March. Despite Miller's strong 34–18–6 record during the 2008–09 season, the Sabres narrowly missed out on qualifying for a playoff berth.

Miller with the Sabres in 2011.

Miller's popularity in both Buffalo and for American hockey has spawned several nicknames, including "Miller Time" (after the Miller brewing company's advertising slogan), while the Toronto media has nicknamed him the "Leaf Killer: Ryan Miller" for his excellent success against one of the Sabres top rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In the 2009–10 season, Miller played exceptionally, with a GAA of under 2.00 before the Olympic break. He finished the season with a 2.22 GAA and a .929 save percentage. He led the Buffalo Sabres to a Northeast Division title and posted 41 wins, breaking his former record of 40 wins posted in 2006–07. His play became even more popular around the U.S after being nominated for the Vezina Trophy for the league's best goaltender. On June 23, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the 2010 NHL Award Ceremony, Miller was announced as the winner of the 2010 Vezina Trophy, beating New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur and Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. That same night, Miller also became the first American player to win the NHL Foundation Player Award.

Late in the 2010–11 season, on March 29, 2011, during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, despite finishing the game in a 4–3 losing cause,[7] Miller suffered what was later reported to be an "upper body injury."[8] Initial speculation on the specifics of Miller's injury ranged from a concussion resulting from a Brian Rolston shot that rang off his mask, to a bruised collarbone from a Dion Phaneuf shot.[9] On February 4, 2012, Miller surpassed Dominik Hašek as the franchise leader in career wins with 235 in a 4–3 shootout win against the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum. Miller accomplished this feat in six-and-a-half years as the starting goaltender for Buffalo, while it took Hašek nine years.[10]

The 2012–13 NHL season did not go well for the Sabres, as they finished 12th in the Eastern Conference and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second consecutive year.[11] Miller finished the season with a 2.81 GAA and a .915 save percentage.

Miller with the Vancouver Canucks in 2015

St. Louis Blues (2014)

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On February 28, 2014, Miller and forward Steve Ott were traded from the Sabres to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Jaroslav Halák, Chris Stewart, William Carrier and two future draft picks.[12] He would make his Blues debut along with Ott on March 3, stopping 23 shots in a 4–2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes. Miller and the Blues lost in the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs to the defending 2013 Stanley Cup champions, the Chicago Blackhawks.

On May 19, the Blues signed Brian Elliott to a three-year contract and Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong announced that Elliott would join Jake Allen to form their goaltending tandem. Miller was not re-signed.

Vancouver Canucks (2014–2017)

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Miller became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2014, and signed a three-year, $18 million contract to become the starting goaltender with the Vancouver Canucks.[13] On October 28, Miller became the 30th goaltender in NHL history to reach 300 career wins. He made 29 saves as the Canucks beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4–1. On January 30, 2015, after beating his former team, the Buffalo Sabres, 5–2, Miller has beaten every team in the NHL at least once. However, on February 22, Miller was injured after Jannik Hansen crashed into him, ending his night as he and Eddie Lack combined for a shutout over the New York Islanders. He would miss the next 21 games. After 22 games of not being on ice, Miller returned to start the last game of the regular season as the Canucks beat the Edmonton Oilers, 6–5.

Anaheim Ducks and retirement (2017–2021)

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After concluding his three-year contract with the Canucks, Miller left as a free agent and signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks on July 1, 2017.[14] He began the 2017–18 season on the injured-reserve list due to a lingering wrist injury.[15] In his return to health, Miller was able to make his debut with the Ducks in a 4–3 shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on October 29, 2017.[16] On February 17, 2019, Miller became the winningest American-born goaltender in NHL history, surpassing John Vanbiesbrouck.[17][18]

On June 20, 2019, Miller was re-signed by the Ducks to return for a third season with the club,[19] agreeing to a one-year $2.235 million contract extension.[20] On December 23, 2020, Miller was re-signed to a one-year contract by the Ducks.[21]

On April 29, 2021, Miller announced he would retire from the NHL at the end of the 2020–21 season.[22] Miller played his final NHL game, a 4–3 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild in which Victor Rask scored the game winning goal 2:46 into the overtime period on May 8, 2021.[23] The Buffalo Sabres retired Miller's number 30 on January 19, 2023.[24] On September 8, 2022, it was announced that Miller would be inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.[25]

International play

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Miller at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 2010 Vancouver

Miller was made a reserve for the United States at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, but he did not play.

Miller was selected as starting goaltender for the US in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He led the team to a perfect 5–0 start, including a 5–3 win over gold-medal favorite Canada in the preliminary round, stopping 42 of 45 shots. The five wins, including victories over Switzerland and Finland in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively, brought the US to the gold medal game, where they faced Canada for the second time. In the gold medal game, the U.S. lost 3–2 in overtime despite Miller's 36 saves, as Sidney Crosby scored the game-winner in his second scoring attempt, after his first was saved by Miller. The US, however, won the silver medal in large part due to Miller's 5–0–1 record, and Miller was named the most valuable player of the tournament. Miller finished with a save percentage of .946 and a GAA of 1.35, both American Olympic records.[26] Miller also won International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) best goaltender honors and was named to the All-Star team.[27]

After his selection to the US roster for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, head coach Dan Bylsma named Jonathan Quick the team's starting goaltender over Miller and fellow Olympic teammate Jimmy Howard. Miller would go on to start and play in one of the US's six games. (Quick played in the other five.) In his one and only game, Miller made 17 saves in a 5–1 win against Slovenia. The US, however, did not medal in Sochi, and Miller finished the tournament with a 1–0 record, a 1.00 GAA, and a .944 save percentage.

Records

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NHL

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  • Least saves required in a win: (Anaheim Jan. 25, 2018) 11:40 min: 0
  • Most shootout wins by a goaltender in a season: 10

Buffalo Sabres

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  • Franchise leader in goaltender games (540)
  • Franchise leader in goaltender minutes (31,661)
  • Franchise leader in career wins (284)
  • Franchise record for most wins in a season (41 in 2009–10)

USA Hockey Olympics

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  • Best career goals against average (1.30)
  • Goaltender assists all-time (1)

Michigan State Spartans

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  • Goals against average all-time (1.54)
  • Save percentage career (.941)
  • Shutouts career (26)

Personal life

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Miller married actress Noureen DeWulf on September 3, 2011.[28] On September 11, 2014, it was announced that the couple were expecting their first child.[29] Their son was born in March 2015, in Vancouver, British Columbia.[30] Their daughter was born in April 2022 in Los Angeles, California.[31]

In 2006, Miller, along with his father Dean, started the Steadfast Foundation which supports cancer patients and their families. Miller began the foundation after his cousin was diagnosed with leukaemia.[32]

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L T OT MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
1997–98 Soo Indians NAHL 37 21 14 0 2113 82 3 2.33 2 0 2 158 7 0 2.66
1998–99 Soo Indians NAHL 47 31 14 1 2711 104 8 2.30 4 2 2 218 10 1 2.75
1999–00 Michigan State University CCHA 25 16 5 3 1525 39 8 1.54 .932
2000–01 Michigan State University CCHA 40 31 5 4 2448 54 10 1.33 .950
2001–02 Michigan State University CCHA 40 26 9 5 2412 71 8 1.77 .936
2002–03 Rochester Americans AHL 47 23 18 5 2815 10 2 2.34 .920 3 1 2 190 13 0 4.11 .856
2002–03 Buffalo Sabres NHL 15 6 8 1 912 40 1 2.63 .902
2003–04 Buffalo Sabres NHL 3 0 3 0 177 15 0 5.00 .795
2003–04 Rochester Americans AHL 60 27 25 7 3579 132 5 2.21 .925 14 7 7 857 26 2 1.82 .934
2004–05 Rochester Americans AHL 63 41 17 4 370 153 8 2.45 .922 9 5 4 547 24 0 2.63 .909
2005–06 Buffalo Sabres NHL 48 30 14 3 2862 124 1 2.60 .914 18 11 7 1123 48 1 2.56 .908
2005–06 Rochester Americans AHL 2 1 1 0 120 5 0 2.50 .889
2006–07 Buffalo Sabres NHL 63 40 16 6 3692 168 2 2.73 .911 16 9 7 1029 38 0 2.22 .922
2007–08 Buffalo Sabres NHL 76 36 27 10 4474 197 3 2.64 .906
2008–09 Buffalo Sabres NHL 59 34 18 6 3443 145 5 2.53 .918
2009–10 Buffalo Sabres NHL 69 41 18 8 4047 150 5 2.22 .929 6 2 4 384 15 0 2.34 .926
2010–11 Buffalo Sabres NHL 66 34 22 8 3829 165 5 2.59 .916 7 3 4 410 20 2 2.93 .917
2011–12 Buffalo Sabres NHL 61 31 21 7 3536 150 6 2.54 .916
2012–13 Buffalo Sabres NHL 40 17 17 5 2302 108 0 2.81 .915
2013–14 Buffalo Sabres NHL 40 15 22 3 2384 108 0 2.72 .923
2013–14 St. Louis Blues NHL 19 10 8 1 1117 46 1 2.47 .903 6 2 4 422 19 0 2.70 .897
2014–15 Vancouver Canucks NHL 45 29 15 1 2542 107 6 2.53 .911 3 1 1 156 6 0 2.31 .910
2015–16 Vancouver Canucks NHL 51 17 24 6 3027 137 1 2.70 .916
2016–17 Vancouver Canucks NHL 54 18 29 6 3212 150 3 2.80 .914
2017–18 Anaheim Ducks NHL 28 12 6 6 1354 53 4 2.35 .928 1 0 0 20 3 0 9.00 .750
2018–19 Anaheim Ducks NHL 20 11 7 2 1109 51 1 2.76 .912
2019–20 Anaheim Ducks NHL 23 9 6 4 1239 64 0 3.10 .907
2020–21 Anaheim Ducks NHL 16 4 8 2 871 51 1 3.51 .882
NHL totals 796 391 289 1 87 46,145 2,029 44 2.64 .914 57 28 27 3,544 149 3 2.52 .913

International

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Year Team Event Result GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2002 United States WC 7th 4 2 2 0 238 7 1 1.76 .950
2003 United States WC 13th 4 2 2 0 193 8 0 2.49 .889
2010 United States OG 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 6 5 1 0 355 8 1 1.35 .946
2014 United States OG 4th 1 1 0 0 60 1 0 1.00 .944
Senior totals 15 8 3 0 846 24 2 1.70 .938

Awards and honors

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ryan Miller (born July 17, 1980) is an American former professional ice hockey who played eighteen seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 2002 to 2021. Over his career, he appeared in 796 games across multiple teams, establishing himself as one of the league's premier netminders with a career save percentage of .914 and 44 shutouts. Miller holds the NHL record for the most wins by an American-born goaltender, achieving 391 victories. Born in East Lansing, Michigan, Miller developed his skills playing youth hockey before starring at Michigan State University, where he led the Spartans to the 2001 NCAA championship as a sophomore. That season, he became only the second goaltender to win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, recognizing him as the top player in NCAA men's ice hockey, while topping national charts in wins, goals-against average, and save percentage. Selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round (138th overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Miller honed his professional game in the American Hockey League with the Rochester Americans, earning the Baz Bastien Memorial Award as the league's top goaltender in 2004–05. Miller's NHL career peaked with the Sabres, where he played from 2002 to 2014 and became a franchise cornerstone, leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2006-07. In the 2009-10 season, he won the as the NHL's best goaltender and earned a spot on the First Team after posting a league-leading 41 wins, a 2.22 goals-against average, and a .929 save percentage. Internationally, Miller represented the at the in , where he was named tournament MVP and helped secure a , making 139 saves on 147 shots in six games with a 1.35 goals-against average and .946 save percentage. After stints with the (2014), (2014-2017), and (2017-2021), Miller retired following the 2020-21 season, concluding a career marked by durability and seven straight 30-win seasons from 2005-06 to 2011-12. Post-retirement, he was inducted into the U.S. (2022), Hall of Fame (2023) with his number 30 retired, and Hall of Fame (2025).

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Ryan Miller was born on July 17, 1980, in , to parents Dean and Teresa Miller. The Miller family had deep ties to hockey, with his father Dean serving as a coach for Ryan's early youth teams and his younger brother Drew going on to play professionally in the National Hockey League. From a young age, Miller showed a strong interest in goaltending, inspired by watching Spartans games and participating in local youth leagues; as an infant, he would mimic goalie movements in front of the TV, and by age eight, he permanently switched positions after scoring a as a forward during a family trip in . Miller attended East Lansing High School, where he emerged as a highly touted recruit, and gained initial youth hockey experience with the program in , before moving to Sault Ste. Marie in 1997 to play junior hockey for the Soo Indians while graduating from Sault Area High School.

Michigan State Spartans

Ryan Miller enrolled at Michigan State University in the fall of 1999 and joined the Spartans men's ice hockey team as a freshman goaltender, playing under head coach Ron Mason for his entire collegiate career. Over three seasons from 1999 to 2002, Miller appeared in 106 games, compiling a record of 73 wins, 19 losses, and 8 ties, with a 1.54 goals-against average (GAA), .941 save percentage, and an NCAA-record 26 shutouts. His performance was instrumental in the team's successes, including the 1999–2000 CCHA regular-season championship and the 2000–01 CCHA tournament title. In the 2000–01 season, Miller led the nation in wins (31), GAA (1.32), save percentage (.950), and shutouts (10), helping Michigan State advance to the NCAA Frozen Four, where they lost in the semifinal to North Dakota, 0–2. The following year, in 2001–02, the Spartans earned an NCAA tournament berth as the No. 3 seed in the West Regional but were eliminated in the first round with a 2–0 shutout loss to Colorado College, despite Miller stopping 29 of 31 shots. Miller's individual accolades highlighted his dominance as a goaltender. As a freshman in 1999–2000, he earned CCHA All-Rookie Team honors and a spot on the CCHA Second All-Star Team while leading the conference in GAA (1.53) and shutouts (8). In his sophomore year (2000–01), he was named CCHA Player of the Year, CCHA Best Goaltender, and MVP of the CCHA tournament, along with AHCA West First-Team All-American honors; he capped the season by winning the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA men's hockey. As a junior in 2001–02, Miller repeated as CCHA Player of the Year, CCHA First All-Star Team selection, and AHCA West First-Team All-American, posting a 26–9–5 record with a 1.77 GAA and .936 save percentage. His career statistics at Michigan State remain school records for wins, shutouts, GAA, and save percentage, underscoring his pivotal role in elevating the program's performance during that era.

Professional career

Buffalo Sabres (2002–2014)

Ryan Miller made his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres on November 19, 2002, against the New Jersey Devils, stopping 21 of 25 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss. Initially signed to a two-year entry-level contract after leaving Michigan State, Miller served as the backup goaltender to Martin Biron during the 2002–03 season, appearing in just three games with a 1-1-1 record, 2.63 goals-against average (GAA), and .902 save percentage (SV%). His limited role reflected the Sabres' established netminding tandem, as Biron handled the bulk of starts while Miller honed his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Rochester Americans. The provided Miller a opportunity in the AHL, where he posted a franchise-record 41 wins in 63 games for Rochester, along with a 2.45 GAA and .922 SV%. These performances earned him the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award as the AHL's top (s) by save percentage and helped finish first overall in the league, advancing to the North Division finals in the playoffs before a 4-1 series loss to the eventual champion . Miller's dominance in Rochester solidified his status as Buffalo's top prospect, positioning him for a full-time NHL role upon the lockout's resolution. Miller emerged as Buffalo's primary starter in the 2005–06 season, recording 30 wins in 48 games with a 2.55 GAA and .909 SV%, contributing to the Sabres' surprise run to the Eastern Conference finals. The following year, 2006–07, he set career highs with 40 wins in 63 appearances, a 2.73 GAA, and .911 SV%, backstopping Buffalo to another Eastern Conference finals appearance before a six-game defeat to the . On July 18, 2008, amid growing recognition as the team's cornerstone, Miller signed a five-year, $31.25 million contract extension with the Sabres, securing his future in Buffalo through the 2013–14 season. Miller's pinnacle came in the 2009–10 season, when he won the as the NHL's top after leading the league with 41 wins in 69 games, a 2.22 GAA, and .929 SV%, while helping the Sabres claim the Northeast Division title. Despite the team's first-round playoff exit to , his performance marked him as one of the league's elite netminders. Trade rumors surfaced in late 2011, with reports linking Miller to West Coast teams like those in , though he publicly denied requesting a move and emphasized his commitment to Buffalo amid the Sabres' postseason drought. In the 2010–11 season, Miller delivered 34 wins in 66 games despite defensive inconsistencies, posting a 2.59 GAA and .916 SV% as Buffalo narrowly missed the playoffs. Over his 12 seasons with the Sabres from 2002 to 2014, Miller appeared in 540 games—the most by any in franchise history—amassing 284 wins, also a team record at the time, along with a 2.65 GAA and .908 SV%. His tenure transformed Buffalo's goaltending from post-Dominik Hasek uncertainty into a period of contention, including seven 30-win seasons and two division titles.

St. Louis Blues (2014)

On February 28, 2014, Ryan Miller was traded from the to the along with forward in exchange for goaltender Jaroslav Halak, forward Chris Stewart, prospect William Carrier, a conditional first-round draft pick in 2015, and a third-round pick in 2015. The move came as the Sabres, mired in a rebuild, sent their longtime starting to a Central Division contender atop the Western Conference standings. Miller, in the final year of his contract, joined a Blues team bolstered by a stingy defense that had allowed the fewest goals in the league up to that point. In the remaining 19 regular-season games of the 2013–14 season, Miller posted a 10–8–1 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and .903 save percentage, including one . His arrival helped solidify the Blues' goaltending tandem with , contributing to the team's league-best 52–23–7 finish and first since 2000. Miller adapted to the Blues' structured defensive system, which emphasized puck possession and shot suppression, recording strong outings such as a 31-save in a 1–0 shootout win over the on April 1. Miller's playoff role was limited, appearing in just one game during the first-round series against the defending champion . Starting the other five contests, Elliott struggled as the dropped the series in six games, 4–2, with Chicago advancing via a 5–1 victory in Game 6. In his lone appearance, a 4–3 loss in Game 4, Miller made 13 saves on 16 shots. The stint presented challenges for Miller, including adjusting to the ' hybrid defensive scheme after years in Buffalo's more transitional style, as well as navigating a in net that saw duties split with Elliott based on matchups and performance. Despite the solid regular-season contribution, the shared workload and playoff disappointment underscored the transitional nature of his time in .

Vancouver Canucks (2014–2017)

On July 1, 2014, Ryan Miller signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the as an unrestricted , positioning him as the team's primary starting . Following a midseason trade to the earlier that year, Miller aimed to anchor Vancouver's net during a period of roster transition. In the 2014–15 season, Miller posted 29 wins in 45 games, with a 2.53 goals-against average (GAA) and .911 save percentage, contributing six shutouts and helping the Canucks clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2013. Despite his strong individual performance, the team fell in the first round to the in six games. Miller's consistency provided stability for a squad navigating an aging core, including veterans like the Sedin twins, as the organization began shifting toward a rebuild. Over the subsequent seasons, Miller continued as a workhorse starter amid the Canucks' ongoing transition. In 2015–16, he recorded 17 wins in 51 appearances, achieving a 2.70 GAA and .916 save percentage, though the team finished outside the playoffs. The 2016–17 campaign saw him notch 18 wins in 54 games, with a 2.80 GAA and .914 save percentage, again without postseason qualification as younger players integrated into the lineup. That year, Miller earned the Canucks' nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, recognizing his perseverance through injuries and commitment to the team. Throughout his Vancouver tenure, Miller emerged as a key locker room leader, offering guidance to emerging talent during the franchise's rebuild and fostering team morale despite consecutive non-playoff finishes. His veteran presence helped bridge the gap between the contending era and the developing roster.

Anaheim Ducks and retirement (2017–2021)

On July 1, 2017, Ryan Miller signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the , marking his return to after three seasons with the . In Anaheim, Miller served primarily as the backup goaltender to John Gibson, appearing in limited starts while providing veteran mentorship and stability in the crease. Over his first two seasons with the , he recorded 20 wins across 48 games, including five shutouts that highlighted his enduring skill in high-pressure situations. During the 2018–19 season, Miller posted an 8–7–2 record in 20 games with a 2.76 goals-against average and one , notably a 31-save performance in a 4–0 victory over the on February 19, 2019, which contributed to a brief team winning streak. He re-signed with the Ducks on June 20, 2019, for a one-year, $1.125 million extension, continuing his role as Gibson's reliable understudy amid the team's rebuilding efforts. In the COVID-19-shortened 2020–21 season of 56 games, Miller appeared in 16 contests for Anaheim, recording a 4–8–2 mark with a 3.51 goals-against average as the Ducks finished last in the West Division. On April 29, 2021, Miller announced his retirement at the end of the season after 18 NHL campaigns, expressing gratitude for a career that allowed him to live out his childhood dream. His final game came on May 8, 2021, a 4–3 overtime loss to the , where he received a from the home crowd in recognition of his contributions. At retirement, Miller held 391 career wins, the most by any American-born goaltender in NHL history—a record later surpassed by in 2024—along with 44 shutouts and a .914 save percentage over 796 games.

International career

Olympic Games

Ryan Miller served as a reserve for the at the in , , but did not appear in any games during the tournament. Miller earned the starting position for Team USA at the in , , where he posted a 5-1-0 record over six games, along with a 1.35 goals-against average and a .946 save percentage. His performance helped lead the Americans to the gold medal game, securing a after a 3-2 overtime loss to . For his efforts, Miller was named the tournament's , top , and media all-star. Among his standout games, Miller made 42 saves in a 5-3 preliminary-round victory over on February 21, helping the U.S. upset the host nation. In the quarterfinals, he recorded a 19-save in a 2-0 win against . In the gold medal game, Miller stopped 36 of 39 shots before Sidney Crosby's overtime goal ended Team USA's bid for gold. Miller's exceptional Olympic play, which set American records for goals-against average and save percentage in a single tournament, significantly boosted his profile in the NHL and contributed to him winning the as the league's top later that year. Miller returned for the in , , where he served as one of three s for Team USA. He appeared in one game, starting against in the preliminary round on February 15, making 17 saves in a 5-1 victory. Team USA finished fourth after losses in the semifinals and bronze medal game.

IIHF World Championships

Ryan Miller represented Team USA at the IIHF Men's on three occasions early in his career, in 2001, 2002, and 2003, serving as a reliable option in net during these annual international tournaments. Over 8 games across these appearances, Miller posted a 4-0-0-3-1 record, a 2.09 goals-against average, a .932 save percentage, and two , demonstrating his poise and effectiveness against top global competition. In the 2002 tournament in , where the U.S. finished fourth, he led all goaltenders with a .949 save percentage and ranked second in goals-against average at 1.76 while playing four games and earning one . The following year in , Miller appeared in four games with a 2.49 goals-against average as Team USA placed 13th, often sharing duties with fellow netminder . These early international outings underscored Miller's dependability for the national team, building on his standout collegiate performance and positioning him as a key figure in U.S. goaltending for future high-stakes events like the Olympics. Overall, his statistics contributed to Team USA's efforts in a competitive field despite no medal finishes during his participations.

Records

NHL records

Ryan Miller holds the distinction of being the winningest American-born in NHL history with 391 career regular-season victories, a record he established over 18 seasons from 2002 to 2021 and maintained until surpassed it with his 392nd win in March 2024. This milestone underscored Miller's longevity and consistency as one of the league's premier netminders, particularly during his prime years with the . Additionally, Miller set league benchmarks for American-born goaltenders in performance, recording 60 career shootout wins and a single-season high of 10 in 2006–07. In the 2009–10 season, Miller led the NHL in both wins (41) and goals-against average (2.22), earning him the as the league's top and highlighting his dominance in a 68-game campaign that propelled the Sabres to a strong regular-season finish. He achieved 40 or more wins in two seasons—40 in 2006–07 and 41 in 2009–10—joining an elite group of who have reached that threshold multiple times in NHL history. Miller's playoff contributions included a career total of 28 wins across 57 games, with a notable 9-5 record in 16 appearances during the 2006–07 postseason, where he posted a 2.78 goals-against average and helped the Sabres advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. His overall playoff statistics—28-27 with a 2.52 goals-against average and .913 save percentage—reflected his ability to elevate his performance in high-stakes situations, though the Sabres fell short of a appearance.

Franchise and college records

During his tenure with the from 2002 to 2014, Ryan Miller established multiple franchise records as a , reflecting his longevity and consistency with the team. He holds the Sabres record for most by a goaltender with 540 appearances. Miller also leads in career wins among Sabres goaltenders with 284 victories. Additionally, he recorded the most saves in franchise history with 14,847. His 28 shutouts rank him among the top performers, underscoring his impact on the team's defensive efforts. At Michigan State University from 1999 to 2002, Miller set several program records that cemented his status as one of the top collegiate goaltenders. He amassed the most career wins with 73. Miller also holds the Spartans' record for career shutouts with 26, an NCAA mark at the time. In the 2000–01 season, he established the program's lowest goals-against average in a single year at 1.32. In the American Hockey League with the Rochester Americans, Miller's playoff contributions included a franchise-leading 13 wins across three postseason runs from 2003 to 2005. His efforts helped Rochester reach deep into the Calder Cup playoffs, including a conference finals appearance in 2004.

Personal life

Family and residence

Ryan Miller married actress Noureen DeWulf on September 3, 2011, in a ceremony at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, California. The couple met in 2010 while DeWulf was filming the Lifetime miniseries Maneater in New York, introduced through mutual connections in the entertainment and sports worlds. Miller and DeWulf welcomed their first and only child, son Bodhi Ryan Miller, on March 20, 2015, in , where Miller was then playing for the Canucks. Throughout Miller's NHL career, the family navigated the challenges of frequent travel and relocations, with DeWulf often joining him on the road and maintaining a stable home base for their son amid the demands of professional hockey. During his tenure with the from 2002 to 2014, Miller resided in the Buffalo area, establishing roots in . Following trades to (2014–2017) and later the (2017–2021), the family shifted to the West Coast, living in during that period before settling in . Following his retirement in 2021, Miller and his family have made their primary residence in the Newport Beach area, close to Anaheim, allowing proximity to his former team and a year-round mild climate suited to their lifestyle. Miller comes from a tight-knit family with deep hockey ties; his younger brother, , enjoyed a 13-year NHL career as a forward, primarily with the , retiring in 2016. Their parents, Dean and Teresa Miller, provided unwavering support throughout the brothers' careers, from youth hockey in , to professional levels, fostering a family environment centered on athletic pursuit and mutual encouragement.

Philanthropy

Ryan Miller co-founded the Steadfast Foundation in 2006 with his father, Dean, to support individuals battling cancer, with a particular emphasis on childhood cases, inspired by family experiences with the disease. The foundation has organized events such as the annual Catwalk for Charity, a featuring Miller and fellow NHL alumni, which over its first seven years raised more than $1 million to aid cancer patients and related programs. Through these efforts, the foundation has provided grants to organizations including Wigs for Kids and MSU scholarships, while also supporting adaptive sports initiatives like Sled Hockey America to promote inclusion for athletes with disabilities. Miller's philanthropic work has long included support for the Courage of Carly Foundation, which funds pediatric cancer research and care at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; he began making donations and participating in events during his playing career in Buffalo in the 2010s. In 2023, during his jersey retirement ceremony with the Buffalo Sabres, the team established the Ryan Miller Legacy Fund as an endowment to provide ongoing revenue for the Courage of Carly Fund, ensuring sustained support for pediatric oncology programs. The inaugural Catwalk for Charity in 2013 benefited this cause, and post-retirement iterations of the event, including those in 2024 and 2025, have continued to direct proceeds toward it, with Miller often joined by family members in the runway activities. Beyond cancer-related efforts, Miller has contributed to community hockey programs, including support for the American Special Hockey Alliance through the Steadfast Foundation's backing of inclusive adaptive hockey leagues.

Post-retirement activities

Hall of Fame inductions

Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2021, Ryan Miller has been recognized with multiple Hall of Fame inductions for his standout contributions as a , including his Olympic silver medal in 2010 and his NHL win in 2010. Miller was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame on November 30, 2022, in St. Paul, Minnesota, as part of a five-member class that honored his achievements as the most successful American-born in NHL history with 391 wins. The induction ceremony celebrated his international impact, particularly his performance in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics where he earned MVP honors for Team USA, along with his 18-season NHL career that included stints with five teams. In January 2023, Miller was inducted into the Hall of Fame during a ceremony on January 19 at , where his No. 30 jersey was retired and raised to the rafters in recognition of his franchise-record 284 wins over 11 seasons from 2003 to 2014. This event marked the first Sabres Hall of Fame induction since Dominik Hasek in 2014 and highlighted Miller's role in leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2007 and the playoffs multiple times. Miller joined the Hall of Fame as the sole member of the Class of 2025, with his induction ceremony held on April 11, 2025, at prior to a game against the . The honor acknowledged his AHL playoff heroics, including his 2005 championship where he posted a 1.47 goals-against average and .941 save percentage in 18 games, helping the Amerks secure the title. Miller became eligible for induction into the in 2025, following the three-season waiting period after his 2021 retirement. He was not selected for the 2025 class.

Legacy and media appearances

Ryan Miller's legacy as a is defined by his pivotal role in advancing American excellence in the position, particularly through his standout performance at the 2010 Olympics, where he earned tournament MVP honors and led the U.S. to silver, inspiring a generation of young American netminders. His career achievements, including the 2010 as the NHL's top and 391 wins—the most by an American-born player until surpassed him in 2024—highlighted the rising competitiveness of U.S. talent in the league, contributing to broader growth in American hockey participation and development. Miller's influence extended to youth programs and mentorship, where he has actively supported emerging goalies through speaking engagements at USA Hockey's National Goaltending Symposium and his role as a goaltending development coach for the since 2023, offering informal guidance to junior players in . He has also participated in Buffalo Sabres alumni events, fostering connections with the next generation of hockey enthusiasts. In media appearances, Miller has made guest appearances on NHL Network, including in 2023 discussing his new role with the . He has guested on various hockey podcasts, including InGoal Radio in 2021 and After The Whistle in 2025, discussing topics from Olympic experiences to modern netminding techniques. During his 2025 induction into the Rochester Americans Hall of Fame, Miller's speech emphasized his deep affection for the organization and city, declaring, "I love you Rochester," which resonated with fans reflecting on his early professional tenure. Culturally, Miller featured prominently in the 2010 Olympic documentary Bud Greenspan Presents Vancouver 2010: Stories of Olympic Glory, which chronicled key moments from the tournament and underscored his heroic efforts against in the gold medal game.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Ryan Miller began his professional career in the (AHL) with the , Buffalo Sabres' affiliate, where he played from 2002 to 2005, appearing in 170 games and recording a 91-60-13 record with a 2.34 goals-against average (GAA) and .922 save percentage. Miller's NHL regular season career spanned 18 seasons from 2002–03 to 2020–21, primarily with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and Anaheim Ducks, where he established himself as a durable and consistent goaltender.
SeasonTeam(s)GPWLT/OTLGAASV%SO
2002–03BUF156812.63.9021
2003–04BUF30305.06.7950
2005–06BUF48301432.60.9141
2006–07BUF63401662.73.9112
2007–08BUF763627102.64.9063
2008–09BUF59341862.53.9185
2009–10BUF69411882.22.9295
2010–11BUF66342282.59.9165
2011–12BUF61312172.54.9166
2012–13BUF40171752.81.9150
2013–14BUF/STL59253042.64.9181
2014–15VAN45291512.53.9116
2015–16VAN51172492.70.9161
2016–17VAN54182962.80.9143
2017–18ANA2812662.35.9284
2018–19ANA208722.76.9121
2019–20ANA239643.10.9070
2020–21ANA164823.51.8820
Source: Hockey-Reference.com In the , Miller appeared in 57 games across seven postseasons, most notably during Buffalo's deep runs in 2005–06 (Eastern Conference Finals, 18 GP, 11 wins, 2.56 GAA, .908 SV%) and 2006–07 (Eastern Conference Finals, 16 GP, 9 wins, 2.22 GAA, .922 SV%), contributing to a combined 34 games with a 2.39 GAA over those two campaigns.
SeasonTeamGPWLGAASV%SO
2005–06BUF181172.56.9081
2006–07BUF16972.22.9220
2009–10BUF6242.35.9260
2010–11BUF7342.93.9172
2013–14STL6242.70.8970
2014–153112.31.9100
2017–18ANA1009.00.7500
Source: Hockey-Reference.com Over his NHL career, Miller played 796 regular-season games, achieving 391 wins, a 2.64 GAA, .914 , and 44 shutouts, ranking him among the most accomplished American-born goaltenders in league history. His playoff totals include 57 games, 28 wins, a 2.55 GAA, .911 , and 3 shutouts.

International

Ryan Miller represented the United States in multiple senior international ice hockey tournaments, primarily as a goaltender for Team USA. Selected to the Olympic roster in 2006, he did not see playing time that year but went on to feature prominently in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, where his standout performances helped the team earn a silver medal in Vancouver. Miller's Olympic statistics are summarized below:
YearGPWLMINGAGAASV%SO
201065135581.35.9461
20141106011.00.9440
Total76141591.30.9461
These figures include his tournament-leading efforts in , where he set American Olympic records for goals-against average and save percentage among goaltenders. Miller also competed for Team USA at the IIHF World Championships in 2001, 2002, and 2003, with playing time limited to the latter two tournaments; the U.S. finished fourth overall in 2001. His World Championship statistics are as follows:
YearGPWLMINGAGAASV%SO
200242123871.76.9501
200342219382.49.8890
Total843431152.09.9291
In these appearances, he recorded one and contributed to the team's efforts in a challenging stretch for U.S. squads at the event. Additionally, Miller was named to the Team USA roster for the as a backup behind starter , though he did not play in any games during the tournament, which saw the U.S. finish fourth. Across his senior international appearances in the Olympics and IIHF World Championships where he saw ice time, Miller compiled totals of 15 games played, 10 wins, 4 losses, 24 goals against, and a 1.70 goals-against average in 846 minutes, with a combined .935 save percentage and 2 shutouts.

Awards and honors

Collegiate

  • CCHA Goaltender of the Year (2000, 2001, 2002)
  • CCHA Second All-Star Team (2000)
  • CCHA Player of the Year (2001, 2002)
  • CCHA First All-Star Team (2001, 2002)
  • AHCA West First-Team All-American (2001, 2002)
  • NCAA West First All-American Team (2001, 2002)
  • Hobey Baker Memorial Award (2001)

American Hockey League (AHL)

  • AHL First (2005)
  • Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award (2005)

National Hockey League (NHL)

International

  • Olympics MVP (2010)
  • Olympics Best Goaltender (2010)
  • Olympics All-Star Team (2010)

References

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