Miller Expected to Add Speed and Skill at Center

The Ducks acquired the skillful center they coveted.

But it turned out to be Kip Miller of the Pittsburgh Penguins rather than Olli Jokinen of the New York Islanders.

The Ducks got a good look at Miller and Jokinen, playing the Penguins and Islanders in the last two games. Miller, 30, has a good deal more experience than Jokinen, 21.

The addition of Miller also leaves Tony Hrkac’s future with the Ducks in doubt. Hrkac, 33, had a goal in the Ducks’ 7-1 victory Saturday over the Penguins, his third since he was acquired Oct. 29 from the Islanders.

“Not to be critical of Tony, but Kip has better speed,” Coach Craig Hartsburg said. “He sees the ice well and makes plays. We want to be a team that plays well with the puck.”

Miller was acquired for future considerations, which usually means a draft pick. He has four goals and 19 points in 44 games.

“Kip is a skilled player,” Hartsburg said. “He gives us more speed and skill. He has played a lot with [Jaromir] Jagr, so he knows how to play that up-tempo, attacking style.

“We want to be a team that plays a skilled game that has work and grit to it. This just gives us another dimension, another player who can play that way.”

Asked where Miller will play for the Ducks, Hartsburg said, “He can play wing. He can play center. He’s played well on the power play. It’s too early to say exactly where he’ll fit in.”

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Winger Marty McInnis was scratched because of a mild groin strain, the first game he has missed this season. McInnis said he suffered the injury about 10 days ago and it has gotten progressively worse, not better. He skated briefly Saturday morning, but retreated to the dressing room before the workout was completed.