If general manager Ron Francis wanted to bring in any goalie that is well-known across the Eastern Conference, especially in Buffalo and Raleigh, that would be current Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ryan Miller.
Getting time with both the Ducks and Vancouver Canucks over the past few seasons, Miller is still a solid goalie that shows up in clutch time. He proved that to the Canes in an overtime win for the Ducks, at PNC Arena, earlier in the season.
An issue for Miller is that he is aging quick, and he’s behind one of the best young netminders in the NHL in John Gibson. Miller only has 10 starts and 13 overall apperances under his belt this season. However, those 13 appearances saw him post a save percentage of .929, along with two shutouts.
Carolina would more than welcome that type of production, especially in combination with Ward’s career experience. Moreover, bringing in Miller would allow the Canes to develop a homegrown goaltender, like Alex Nedelkjovic.