New York Rangers: J.T. Miller’s development at a crossroad
The New York Rangers have a potential homegrown star in J.T. Miller. This season will prove crucial in continuing his upward trend toward becoming an elite player at the NHL level.
The New York Rangers do not often have first round picks. When they do, it is important for them to pick correctly. Luckily for them, their 2011 first round pick has finally come into his own.
J.T. Miller was an 18-year old prospect that was viewed as a reach at his draft position. In a way, Miller embodied what was expected of American prospects. He was a hard-working, two-way forward, capable of helping his team in multiple ways.
Career thus far
Now, after spending several seasons up and down in both the minors and the lineup, Miller has cemented himself at the NHL level.
The 2016-17 was Miller’s true coming out party. In a full 82-game season, he recorded 56 points. Miller scored 22 goals for the second straight season while registering a career-high in assists (34).
More importantly, Miller took on a bigger role at both ends of the ice. For the first time under Alain Vigneault, Miller spent substantial time on specials teams. As a result, he recorded four shorthanded points (3 goals) and seven power play points (2 goals).
Looking forward to the 2017-18 season, Miller will continue to see an increased role. His development into an upper echelon player, however, may be in jeopardy.
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What is Miller’s role now?
With the Rangers sudden weakness at the center position, there is a chance that Miller will be asked to play the pivot. It is not as though that will be something that he is unfamiliar with, though. He spent the majority of his amateur career and time with the Hartford Whalers as a center.
However, in last season’s breakout campaign Miller primarily played on the wing. His tenacious forechecking and knack for the net was a perfect complement to Kevin Hayes’ playmaking as his regular center.
Taking on the extra responsibility of playing center should be seen as a positive. The hope is that Miller, much like his line partner Hayes, will become a catalyst for the players around him. All the while, he will be picking up valuable defensive reps that he may not be normally accustomed to.
A player that comes to mind when comparing playing style and position fluidity is veteran Patrick Marleau. Rumors swirled throughout the offseason that the Rangers were heavily involved in acquiring Marleau’s services.
As a player that has had productive season at both the winger and center position, Marleau received a hefty contract from the Toronto Maple Leafs, despite nearing his 38th birthday.
The Rangers front office and coaching staff would be more than please if Miller were able to boast a career such as Marleau’s. At the ripe age of 24, Miller would immediately become an irreplaceable piece to the Rangers’ championship puzzle for the foreseeable future.
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Remaining a piece of the puzzle
Miller will also be due a new contract at the end of the 2017-18 season. He will be preparing to enter his final stages as a restricted free-agent. GM Jeff Gorton will be forced to consider whether a bridge contract is feasible for a player that will be valued so high internally and externally.
As a homegrown prospect, Rangers’ fans already love J.T. Miller. His productivity at both ends of the ice has become beloved, much in the way fans viewed ex-captain Ryan Callahan.
As Miller continues to develop his skills, he will be asked to take on more responsibility. J.T. Miller will be spending the 2017-18 season continuing to master his craft. That may be at the center position, or he may continue his tenacious play from the wing.
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Regardless, Miller is a star in the making, and is hopefully going to be a key cog in the Rangers’ future plans.