Miller, 33, did not play a single game for the Bruins in 2019-20 while recovering from serious knee injuries suffered during the 2018-19 season. His 2018-19 campaign was limited to just 39 games due to a fractured kneecap. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound defenseman suffered a setback during his rehabilitation, re-injuring the kneecap in an effort to get back on the ice for the Bruins during their postseason run.
When Miller suited up for the Bruins contest of the 2020-21 season on January 14, it marked 651 days between NHL games. Miller has averaged 19:12 TOI in 27 games this season, the second highest mark of his career (19:28 average TOI in 2017-18). Miller has notched a goal and three assists and has been a steadying presence on the Bruins back end.
"It takes equal parts dedication and perseverance for a defenseman like Kevan Miller to push his way into the NHL as an undrafted college player and he's been a strong, courageous and tough customer on the ice over the last eight years that perfectly embodies the Bruins way," said Professional Hockey Writers Association Boston Chapter Chair Joe Haggerty. "Miller has faced career-threatening knee injuries over the last three seasons, but never backed down and never stopped workingfor a return. None of it was easy, but Miller's resilient response to adversity is exactly what a Bill Masterton Trophy candidate should be all about."
Miller has remained active in the Boston community throughout his career, serving as a spokesperson and vocal advocate for the Brain Aneurysm Foundation among other charitable endeavors. He is also an active supporter of the U.S. military and a leading contributor to the Bruins' annual Military Appreciation Night.
The winner of the Masterton Trophy is selected by a vote of the 31 chapters of the PHWA at the conclusion of the regular season. Miller (2020), Zdeno Chara (2019, 2017), David Backes (2018), Jonas Gustavsson (2016) and Patrice Bergeron (2015) were previous Masterton nominees.
