The Boston Bruins signed former Arizona Coyotes draft pick Mitchell Miller on Friday. It’s an entry-level deal for Miller, but the length of the deal hasn’t been revealed by the team.
The Coyotes waived their rights to Miller, a fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft, in October of that year.
This announcement came three days after an article published by Craig Harris and Jose M. Romero del Republic of Arizona revealed that Miller and another teenager were charged with assaulting and violating the Ohio Safe Schools Act for abusing Isaiah Meyer-Crothers, a black classmate with developmental disabilities, in 2016.
Miller issued a joint statement with the Bruins organization.
#NHLBruins they signed ex #Yote draft pick Mitchell Miller for an entry-level contract.
Arizona gave up on Miller’s selection after it came to light that he hatefully bullied an intellectually disabled child while in eighth grade.
Here is a statement released by the Miller team: pic.twitter.com/vuAnMEyDkQ
– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) November 4, 2022
“When I was in eighth grade, I made a really bad decision and acted immature. I mistreated one of my classmates. I am deeply sorry for the incident and apologized to the individual. After the actions, I came to understand better the meaning of my actions, which I had not recognized and understood nearly seven years ago.
“I strive to be a better person and to contribute positively to society. As a member of the Bruins organization, I will continue to participate in community programs to educate myself and share my mistakes with others to show the negative impact these actions can have on others.
“To be clear, what I did at 14 was wrong and unacceptable. There is no place in this world to disrespect others and I am committed to taking this opportunity to speak out against the mistreatment of others. “
The 20-year-old defender spent last season with USHL’s Tri-City Storm, scoring 39 goals and 83 points in 60 games.
“Representing the Boston Bruins is a privilege that we take seriously as an organization,” said Bruins president Cam Neely. “Respect and integrity are fundamental traits we expect from our players and staff. Before signing Mitchell, our hockey operations and human relations leaders spent time with him over the past few weeks to better understand who he is as an individual and learn more about a significant mistake he made when he was in high school.
During this evaluation period, Mitchell was responsible for his unacceptable behavior and demonstrated his commitment to working with more organizations and professionals to continue his personal journey and use his mistake as a learning moment for others. He is expected to continue this important educational work with personal development programs as a member of the Bruins organization. “
