Article content continued

So, when will he be anointed?

“Eventually,” said Benning. “We’ve been grooming him the last couple of years to be at some point our No. 1 goalie, and I’ve been saying that for the last couple of years. I don’t know when that happens, but at some point that’s what our goal is.”

Part of Benning’s polarizing rationale is that Markstrom needs the mentorship and the competitive push from Miller and that the net shouldn’t just be turned over to anybody. Another part is Benning doesn’t want his club that’s in some state of a rebuild to be burdened with the tough task of being somewhat competitive without a strong goaltending tandem.

“There’s no worse feeling than trying to develop young players and get them up and going when you know you don’t have a chance to win,” Benning had earlier told Postmedia News. “Ryan and Jacob have a healthy relationship because they’re competitive and respect each other.

Photo by Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images Files

“We have something to offer Ryan that he already knows. We’ve got some positives for him and if that’s the route we go, that’s why we’re doing it.”

That route could even mean a year-to-year contract consideration for Miller, who has openly spoken of his desire to return to a locker-room and a city where he has struck friendships. He is also a creature of habit who has only moved twice in his pro career.

Miller could have signing options in Anaheim, Los Angeles or San Jose, but those clubs either have established starters — Jonathan Quick with the Kings and Martin Jones with the Sharks — or have given a young stopper like John Gibson, 23, the reins.