E.L. native Miller extends contract with Buffalo

The rumor mill was churning for Detroit Red Wings fans.

There was speculation that former MSU goaltender Ryan Miller — who now plays for the Buffalo Sabres — might join the Red Wings after his contract ended in Buffalo after this upcoming season.

But that rumor was put to rest Friday, when the East Lansing native signed a five-year contract extension with the Sabres. He will be making $6.25 million each year.

“I’m very happy and it’s a unique opportunity to play with such a great group of guys,” Miller said. “It seems like the organization has a plan in place and it feels good to be a big part of it.”

After losing forwards Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, as well as defenseman Brian Campbell last season, Sabres general manager Darcy Regier wasn’t going to let another star leave the organization.

“It’s a very good time for the Sabres,” Regier said in a press conference. “When you look back a year ago at the losses, we also knew this day would come along. We are in a good place and we will move forward from here.”

Miller was drafted by the Sabres with their fifth-round selection in the 1999 NHL Draft.

Regier is pleased with Miller’s decision to stay with the organization that gave him his first shot in the NHL.

“What Ryan represents to this organization, along a number of other players with similar experience, is that these players represent players we’ve drafted and developed,” Regier said. “They really are the building block and the future of this organization.”

Miller dismissed the hearsay of possibly coming to play for the Red Wings, as he said the Detroit front office hadn’t contacted him. But he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to his home state to play hockey one day.

“Michigan is in my heart, but Buffalo is starting to feel more and more like home,” Miller said. “Who knows what the future holds, but right now I’m in Buffalo to try and chase down a championship.”

Published on Wednesday, July 23, 2008