Washington Capitals Alumni Profile: Kelly Miller

By Dave Stevenson | Jun 4, 2017

Apr 29, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; A general view towels in the stands prior to game two of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

The Washington Capitals have had some great players over their history. Let’s take a look at one of the fan favorites, Kelly Miller.

Since 1974, the Washington Capitals have had some great players. Very few of them are more beloved by fans than forward Kelly Miller. While he never served as a captain, he was an important figure for the Caps, both on and off the ice.

Miller came to the nation’s capitol via a trade with the New York Rangers. The Caps got Bob Crawford, Mike Ridley and him from the blue shirts in exchange for Bob Carpenter and a second round pick. This is generally thought of as one of the best trades in franchise history, and one of the worst in Rangers history. In 117 games with New York, Miller had 55 points.

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His career season came in 1991-92, at the age of 28. Miller put up a career best 52 points, including 14 goals. In 1990-91, he scored a career high 24 goals. Miller was never known as a star, but played a very important role on the Caps’ checking line.

The forward was known more for his defensive prowess and shorthanded abilities than anything else. Miller finished in third place in Selke Trophy voting in 1991-92.

Overall, he played in 940 games for the Capitals. He had 162 goals, 246 assists and 408 total points. Miller also put up a plus-minus rating of +75 with the Capitals. In 100 playoff games, Miller added 47 points, including one point in 10 games during the Caps Stanley Cup run in 1998.

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He retired after the 1998-99 season, though he briefly played for the Grand Rapid Griffins of the IHL. Later, Miller joined the New York Islanders as an assistant coach. He currently is an assistant coach at Michigan State University.