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Jets Defenseman Makes Surprising Decision to Head Overseas, Signs One-Year Deal in Switzerland
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- Jets Defenseman Makes Surprising Decision to Head Overseas, Signs One-Year Deal in Switzerland
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Colin Miller is taking his talents to Switzerland as it was announced Tuesday that the free agent blueliner has reportedly left the NHL for the upcoming season, agreeing to a one-year contract with Lausanne HC of the Swiss National League.
The 33-year-old spent this past season as a depth option on the Jets ' blue line, appearing in just 18 games and operating largely as a seventh defenceman. Offensively, Miller's production was modest, tallying a pair of assists over that stretch, but his calling card remained the booming shot that's followed him throughout his career.
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Miller's shot was once again one of the hardest in the league this season. He ranked in the 99th percentile leaguewide with a top shot speed of 102.47 mph, the sixth-hardest shot recorded by any player this season. It wasn't a one-time outlier either, as Miller cracked the 100 mph mark on three separate occasions over the course of the campaign, a rare feat that few defensemen in the league can match.
Despite the eye-popping shot metrics, ice time was hard to come by in Winnipeg , with Miller buried on the depth chart behind the Jets ' more established options on the back end.
Lausanne HC will now look to benefit from both Miller's defensive experience and his standout point shot, a weapon that should translate well on a Swiss National League power play. Miller will get the chance to play regular minutes in a large role as Lausanne's likely top player heading into next season compared to the limited role he would've gotten playing in North America.
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