New York Rangers: J.T. Miller on pace for breakout season

After a career best season in 2016-2017, J.T. Miller has taken his game to an even higher level this year.

Last season J.T. Miller was impressive for the New York Rangers. In 82 games, the young forward totaled 56 points. Both his point total and assist total (34) were both career highs. His 22 goals tied his career high from the year before.

Coming into this season, many expected Miller to put up even better numbers. With the Rangers trading away 55 points in the form of Derek Stepan and not bringing in much to replace him, Miller was one of the internal solutions the team hoped would step up. The six-foot 218-pound first rounder is the prototypical power forward.

This season Miller is off to a torrid start. In 18 games, Miller has 15 points and has produced some fantastic plays for New York this season. With expectations high and point totals equally high right now, this could be the year for Miller to assert himself as a big-time threat in the league.

High scoring pace

With the pace that he is on right now, Miller is set to smash his career high in points. Though his goal scoring is currently down, everything else about his game is on the right track. He is playing the best defense of his career, his play-making ability is off the charts, and he seems more assertive and confident than ever before in his career.

With the Rangers playing the best hockey that they have all season, Miller is in the midst of a stretch in which he has scored seven points in the last seven games. His overtime winning goal against Tampa Bay is arguably the biggest moment of the season so far for the New York Rangers.

The pace Miller is at is close to an MVP caliber season. 80-plus points in the NHL right now is elite status. While it seems unlikely that Miller can continue his near point a game streak, it isn’t crazy at all to believe he can push well past his career high of 56 points.

The Ceiling?

The question that has been asked about plenty of Rangers in recent seasons is, “what is the ceiling?” J.T. Miller is at the point in his career where he either continues to take the next step season by season or stays at the level he is currently at. While Miller’s current production level would still benefit the Rangers for years to come, if he can take the next step he could give the Rangers an elite forward presence they haven’t had in many years.

Miller’s ceiling might see him become a point per game player. The prototypical build has always been there, but the point totals and intangibles that are starting to peak through are the key. If the start of this season is any indication, Miller looks closer to the ceiling then he is to anything else.

What will happen?

This season I see Miller being a key to the Rangers success. Obviously, he already has been, but he has the potential to take over games single-handedly and he will start doing that for New York. Miller could finish the season around the 75 point mark, easily the best total in his career.

Next: Rangers power play improvement

His ceiling hasn’t been reached yet, which could spell good things for the future. Miller can be a game breaker for the Rangers. If his progression continues, he will be one of their best players for years to come.

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