Teams are calling up the New York Rangers about Miller’s services and are being turned away. Here’s why this is a good sign…
J.T. Miller looks like he is one of the hottest commodities on the trade market right now.
According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, teams have been calling the New York Rangers about Miller’s services.
"So it’s three well-connected sources within the past three days who have told Slap Shots that when it comes to the Rangers and the trade deadline, “Everyone is asking for J.T. Miller.”– Larry Brooks"
Luckily for Rangers fans everywhere, the Rangers are effectively telling teams that his value is not negotiable and they will not move him at Wednesday’s trade deadline.
And rightfully so.
Miller, 23, has really grown into a terrific offensive threat with a solid-enough defensive game to boot.
Here we are, 62 games deep into the season and in the thick of the playoff race and Miller has 19 goals (three off of his career high), 28 assists (seven more than his previous career high) and 47 points in total, four more than his career high and three more than any other Ranger currently has. Miller’s plus/minus has also skyrocketed this year to a +20.
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Miller is the rare type of player that is effective even when he is not scoring. He is not afraid to make an important hit, block or shove away an opposing player who is causing havoc between the whistles.
Those type of players are glue guys. They are the heart and soul of the team and if the Rangers were to trade him, they’d be ripping their heart out.
What Could Change Their Minds?
Brooks outlined this in his article and it is worth mentioning. While the New York Rangers are not listening to offers currently, nothing is stopping another team from making a ridiculous offer that the team cannot refuse.
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For example, what if a team like the Kings offered a guy like Drew Doughty for Miller? Yes, it is unlikely to happen, but if that is the offer on the table, the Rangers, who own the deepest forward unit in the NHL, need to consider that deal heavily.
I have never been a fan of the term untouchable in sports because I believe you COULD get equal value for any player, but there are some players that getting equal value for from another team would make no sense.
For example, if the Oilers got a call from the Penguins and were offered Crosby, Letang and a 1st round pick for McDavid, you think they’d say no?
Of course, that is a drastic example, but it makes my point.
There might be an offer on the table by 3 P.M. on Wednesday that makes the Rangers call the league and tell them Miller has a new home. If so, we will cross that bridge when we get there.
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But as we stand right now, the man formerly in Alain Vigneault’s doghouse has become one of the team’s most important forwards and they need to continue to turn teams the other way, or towards a few other players within their organization.