The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing for an unexpected change to their prospect pool, with the organization set to lose the signing rights to forward Joe Miller next week.
Miller, 23, is one of the more intriguing prospects connected to Toronto’s organization, but the Maple Leafs will reportedly not sign him to an entry-level contract after he completed his fourth season at Harvard University. Under the circumstances surrounding players who have completed four seasons of NCAA hockey, Miller can become an unrestricted free agent on August 15.
The situation is particularly interesting because Miller has already taken a step toward beginning his professional career. Rather than returning to Harvard for another season, the 5-foot-10 forward has decided to turn pro. He signed a one-year contract with Toronto’s ECHL affiliate, the Cincinnati Cyclones, late last month.
That agreement, however, does not give the Maple Leafs NHL control over Miller once his signing rights expire. The ECHL-only contract means Miller can begin his professional career with Cincinnati, but he would need another agreement to move up to the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies or eventually the Maple Leafs.
The development creates an unusual situation for both Miller and Toronto. Although the Maple Leafs will lose their exclusive rights to the prospect, Miller has still chosen to remain somewhat connected to the organization by signing with Cincinnati.
That decision could prove important for his career. Once Miller becomes an unrestricted free agent, another NHL or AHL organization could potentially pursue him and offer him a path toward a higher level of professional hockey. Toronto would no longer have the ability to prevent another organization from making that move.
Miller’s collegiate career also gives fans reason to wonder what his next step could look like.
During his senior season at Harvard, Miller recorded six goals and 12 points in 34 games. That represented a significant drop from his previous seasons. As a sophomore, he produced 27 points in 32 games, while his junior campaign saw him record 23 points in just 28 games. As a freshman, he scored 13 goals and finished with 28 points in 33 games.
Those numbers suggest that Miller has shown offensive ability in the past, even though his final college season did not go according to plan.
For Toronto, the decision not to offer Miller an entry-level contract could ultimately be viewed as a calculated organizational choice. The Maple Leafs have a deep group of prospects and young players competing for opportunities, and not every player drafted by the organization will eventually receive an NHL contract.
Still, Miller’s situation is worth watching because he will now have an opportunity to prove Toronto wrong.
Beginning his professional career with Cincinnati could give him the chance to rebuild his momentum. If he performs well, he could attract interest from organizations looking for a young forward who still has room to develop.
There is also a possibility that Miller could eventually work his way back into Toronto’s plans. His ECHL agreement keeps him relatively close to the organization, and the Maple Leafs could potentially pursue him again in the future if his development takes a significant step forward.
For now, though, the clock is ticking.
On August 15, Toronto is expected to lose its signing rights to Joe Miller, opening the door for him to control the next stage of his professional career.
The Maple Leafs will hope that allowing Miller to move forward without an NHL contract proves to be the right decision. For Miller, meanwhile, the next season could be an opportunity to show that he still has what it takes to climb the professional hockey ladder.
What happens next could determine whether Joe Miller becomes another prospect who slips away from Toronto or a player who eventually forces his way back into the Maple Leafs’ plans.
