New York Rangers: Comparing players under 25 to other NHL pros

J.T. Miller – Ryan Callahan

When captain Ryan Callahan was traded at the 2014 trade deadline, the “toughness” of the New York Rangers sustained a loss that was not immediately recognized. The hard nose, defensive oriented play of Callahan often got Madison Square Garden on their feet. Toughness is undervalued in a sense because it often equates to energy and it can get the bench excited.

Although Callahan only produced 40 points three times over his seven-and-a-half year tenure with the Rangers, he had some acceptable possession seasons with New York, finishing with a Corsi-For percentage of 50.0.

Callahan chipped in physically, despite being particularly small at 5’10”.

At the end of the day, Callahan was a two-way player with defensive upside, Miller on the other hand, is a offensive player with two way upside.

Miller, 24, already brings the same package that Callahan delivers on the ice, and usually even more offensively. Leading with his high energy physical nature, Miller brings a big body to both ends and has the skill to create powerful goals along with sizable hits.

Miller possesses that power forward skill set to make some big moves around the net.

And Miller has the hands to make plays like this too.

Miller most certainly has potential to produce up to 70 points. Whether he reaches that potential certainly depends on his ice time and future linemates. Miller will also need to stay healthy. Unlike Callahan, though, he has to the this point.