Born in New Jersey, Drew Miller has become a Michigan boy, enjoying a standout collegiate hockey career at Michigan State University before finding NHL success with the Detroit Red Wings. Miller, a 6-foot 2-inch 180-pound player, who shoots left and most often lines up on left wing, has earned a reputation as an excellent defensive forward and a hard worker at both ends of the rink.
Junior A
Miller's hockey career began as a teenager with the Capital Center Pride, a Junior A team in the North American Hockey League. Miller spent three seasons with the Pride, recording 31 goals in 105 games. In the 2002-03 season, Miller joined the River City Racers of the United States Hockey League, collecting 14 goals and 25 points in 49 games during his final year of Junior eligibility.
Michigan State
Miller enrolled at Michigan State for the 2003-04 season. He became assistant captain in his second year with the Spartans, finishing third on the team in scoring with 17 goals and 33 points in 40 games. In 2005-06, his final year with the club, Miller served as team captain and led the team in scoring, posting a career-high 18 goals and 43 points in 44 contests. His efforts won him the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's Humanitarian Award and recognition as the league's Best Defensive Forward.
Anaheim
Miller left Michigan State after only three seasons to enter the NHL Draft. The Anaheim Ducks selected Miller in the sixth round with the 183rd pick overall. He spent his first year of professional hockey with Anaheim's minor-league affiliate, the Portland Pirates. Miller made his NHL debut during the 2007 playoffs, appearing in three postseason contests with the Ducks but failing to record a point. Miller split the next two seasons between Portland and Anaheim, recording 6 goals and 15 points in 53 NHL games.
Tampa Bay
In August 2009, Anaheim traded Miller and a third-round draft choice to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Evgeny Artyukhin. Miller lasted only 14 games in Tampa Bay before the Lightning placed him on waivers. Miller failed to register a point with the Lightning.
Detroit
The Detroit Red Wings plucked Miller off waivers, bringing him back to Michigan where he had so much collegiate success. Miller appeared in 66 games with Detroit during that 2009-10 season, managing 10 goals and 19 points. In 2010-11, Miller remained a regular in the Detroit lineup, appearing in 67 games and recording 10 goals and 18 points while continuing to excel in a defensive role.
Family Connections
Miller's older brother Ryan plays goal for the Buffalo Sabres and is regarded as one of the best goalies in the NHL. Drew and Ryan are cousins of Kelly, Kevin, and Kip Miller, who all enjoyed successful NHL careers during the 1990s.
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