American goaltending legend Ryan Miller announced his plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2020-21 NHL season Thursday via an Anaheim Ducks press release.
It's Miller's time.#FlyTogether | @RyanMiller3039 https://t.co/ssyRbCNs3d
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) April 29, 2021
After 18 seasons, Miller will finish up his career as the all-time leader in wins amongst U.S.-born goalies. He currently has 390 wins and ranks second in both shutouts (44) and games played (794).
Miller's .914 save percentage ranks fifth among all-time NHL goaltenders with 700 appearances behind only Dominik Hasek (.922), Roberto Luongo (.919), Henrik Lundqvist (.918) and Tomas Vokoun (.917).
A fifth-round selection of the Buffalo Sabres back in the 1999 NHL Draft, Miller spent 11 seasons in Buffalo, most notably winning the Vezina Trophy back in the 2010 season. The Sabres also released a statement congratulating Miller on his outstanding career.
540 games.
284 wins.
14,847 saves.
1 Vezina Trophy.
Countless memories in Western New York.Congratulations on your retirement, @RyanMiller3039! Forever a Buffalo Sabre.
https://t.co/whWVXmP59X pic.twitter.com/o44607i538
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 29, 2021
"It was a dream come true when I played my first NHL game and it has been a privilege to spend 18 years as a professional," said Miller, who turns 41 in July, in a statement. "I have decided that I am going to retire after the season having been given more time doing what I love than I could ever have hoped for. Thank you to you my teammates and staff, past and present. I'm thankful to so many who made my career possible and helped me on my journey from youth hockey to the NHL. Thank you to my family for supporting me with so much love and enthusiasm."
Miller holds Sabres franchise records in career wins (284), appearances (540), minutes (21,660:48) and single-season wins (41 in 2009-10).
The East Lansing, Mich., native also represented Team USA at both the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympic Games. At the 2010 Games in Vancouver, Miller led the United States to a silver medal and was named tournament MVP, Best Goaltender and an All-Star. Miller's six Olympic wins are the second-most in the U.S. men's team history.
Miller also spent time with both the St. Louis Blues and the Vancouver Canucks throughout his illustrious career.
The Ducks' goaltender has played in just 14 games this season, with his last appearance coming back on March 29 against the Colorado Avalance. The Ducks have six games remaining this season.