Ryan Miller, the winningest United States-born goalie in NHL history, will retire after this season.
Miller, who announced the news Thursday, is 390-289-86 with one tie, a 2.64 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 794 games (770 starts) in 18 NHL seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres. He was 28-27 with a 2.52 GAA, a .913 save percentage and three shutouts in 57 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
"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," Miller said. "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."
The 40-year-old is 3-8-1 with a 3.60 GAA and an .882 save percentage in 14 games (12 starts) with the Ducks this season.
Born in East Lansing, Michigan, Miller has 16 more victories than John Vanbiesbrouck, who ranks second among U.S.-born goalies. Miller is 14th on the NHL all-time wins list, one ahead of Dominik Hasek.
"Congratulations to Ryan on a storied career," Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli said. "You inspired us with your play but also your charitable work throughout your 18 NHL seasons. We are so proud to say the winningest American-born goaltender in NHL history set the record while playing for the Ducks. Congratulations on a fabulous career."
Selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round (No. 138) of the 1999 NHL Draft, Miller was 284-186-56 with one tie in 11 seasons with Buffalo. He ranks first in Sabres history in wins and second in shutouts (28), behind Hasek (55).
Miller won the Vezina Trophy as the top goalie in the NHL for the 2009-10 season, going 41-18-8 with a 2.22 goals-against average, a .929 save percentage and five shutouts in 69 games (68 starts).
"The entire Buffalo Sabres organization would like to congratulate Ryan Miller, who was a fierce competitor and one of the best goaltenders in the history of our franchise," the team said in a statement. "His on-ice performance and dedication to our fans has forever endeared Ryan to the Western New York community. Through his Steadfast Foundation and numerous charitable events, Ryan consistently displayed a sincere commitment to Buffalo and was the epitome of what it means to be a Buffalo Sabre. Congratulations on an incredible career, Ryan!"
During the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Miller led the United States to the silver medal, and was named MVP of the tournament, going 5-1 with a 1.35 GAA, a .946 save percentage and one shutout. He allowed eight goals on 147 shots.
Although Sidney Crosby scored in overtime for Canada to win the gold medal, Miller received a standing ovation at the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Sabres' first game after the Olympics.
"It was a good tournament," Miller said. "Hopefully it made some hockey fans here in the United States."
Prior to signing with the Ducks as a free agent July 1, 2017, Miller spent three seasons (2014-17) with the Canucks.
"Always a fierce competitor and a tremendous teammate," the Canucks said in a statement. "Thank you for contributing to our community while you were in Vancouver, Ryan. Congrats on an amazing career!"
The Ducks, who were eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention Wednesday, have six games remaining this season.
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