7th year center Andy Miele(21) decides it’s time to leave North America pro hockey signing a one-year deal with an option for a second with Malmo Redhawks of the SHL.
He leaves after leading playing 420 AHL games (119-249-368), where he was his team’s leading scorer from 2011’s rookie campaign through 2016.
The small, high scoring forward only missed out being first last season while playing for Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
He has however had the most assists on his minor league squad every year and for three straight runs settled at 44 helpers (and 45 his final run with Portland Pirates in 2013/2014).
As a member of Detroit Red Wings for two seasons and Philadelphia Flyers he was unable to crack the big league roster and almost oddly only has 15 NHL games to his credit, recording 2 assists.
Seems smart for the recently turned 29-year old to move on, as he’ll likely see more success overseas as he approaches 30.
We will miss him, but wish him the best as he’s always been one of this site’s favorite players.
Andy Miele(21) Portland Pirates
2010/2011 Hobey Baker Award winner and college player of the year, Phoenix Coyotes‘ undrafted, entry level signing at the end of last season, rookie center Andy Miele(21) was recalled quickly to the NHL but failed to register a point in 5 games played.
He was reassigned to their AHL affiliate Portland Pirates in early November and has been lighting the lamp for them big time, putting up 7 goals and 13 assists in 14 games played.
It’s likely a no-brainer that he’ll get another look soon.
He’s small, listed at 5’9″ 175 lbs. but he’s got the finesse to set up plays and that scoring touch to finish them.
12/1: Miele is named AHL Rookie Of The Month for November.