The trade deadline has now passed and all was quiet until the final two minutes when the league announced that the Toronto Rock and Philadelphia Wings agreed on a deal.
The Rock send second year transition player Kyle Belton along with a conditional 2nd round and 4th round pick in the 2014 entry draft. In return the Rock acquire 14-year veteran Brandon Miller to back up Nick Rose. The conditional pick works this way: Toronto has more then one pick in the second round, the Wings get the highest selection.
Rock owner Jamie Darwick stated they were interested in Miller in the beginning of the season when he was holding out. Once Toronto released Boychuck it was apparent what Toronto’s mission was.
Miller played 93 games for Philadelphia (2008-14) with a 12.27 GAA. A two time all star (2007-2011) and second team All-Pro in 2013. With a veteran defense in front of him, should he be called upon Miller should be able to shut the door.
Miller started his career with the Albany Attack (2001-03) before moving to San Jose (2004-06) and Chicago (2007-08).
Miller, a fan favorite in Philadelphia, will be taking a lot of great memories with him. This just wasn’t a team with fans; this was a team that had a family of fans. Fans that gave him that extra support as his brother Kyle fought courageously ’til the end as he battled cancer. Brandon always had a special connection with the fans and always found the time for the young fans, and the young at heart fans. No doubt Saturday night will be special as the fans will see Brandon again and wish him well.
The Wings get Kyle Belton (6’2″, 185 lbs), a second year transition player selected 27th overall in 2012 who has played 24 games registering 12 G, 20A. A graduate of Stoney Brook University, Belton tallied 59 goals and 73 assists in 53 games.
Belton spends his summers playing for the Langley Thunder of the WLA. In four seasons he has 55 goals and 122 points in 52 games. Belton brings a hunger for the game, a relentless drive and he isn’t afraid to get dirty in the corners. If given the chance Belton is sure to win over the Philadelphia fans.
This is a trade that helps both teams, as signs were pointing to Miller not returning to the Wings next season. So the Wings picked up a young Canadian player and the Rock obtained a savvy veteran goaltender in Miller.
Question now is who backs up Evan Kirk??? Do the Wings resign Don Alton or look to the free agent wire for a veteran?
Good Luck in Toronto, Brandon…. Welcome to Philadelphia, Kyle Belton.
