Prior to the New York Rangers agreeing to a blockbuster trade that sent J.T. Miller and Ryan McDonagh to the Tampa Bay Lightning, there was discussion about the futures of Miller and fellow forward Kevin Hayes. Both were set to hit restricted free agency at the end of the 2017-18 season.
There was question as to how the Rangers would deal with Hayes and Miller as they entered full rebuild mode. With this change in direction, it seemed more and more likely one of them would leave New York.
This led to questions as to whom would be a better fit for the Rangers down the line.
Hayes and Miller were often compared because they joined the Rangers lineup just a few years apart. This is despite their obvious differences in style of play.
Both established their role on the roster and were considered to be veterans even though they are just 25-years-old.
In a perfect world, I’m sure the Rangers would have liked to keep them both. But on top of expiring contracts came limitations in the center and wing positions due to the influx of prospects and new players added to the roster. With the direction the team was taking, it seemed one would end up off the roster by the start of next season.
The Rangers ended up choosing Hayes as a part of their future, and this is the choice that will have the brighter outcome.
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The Reasoning
Miller and Hayes fit the New York Rangers roster in different ways, as they each serve a different purpose.
A player like Miller serves more of a power forward role. He has the ability to use his size to play a dangerous game up close to the net. His physicality gives his team an edge when it comes to creating opportunities in tight areas and in play off along the boards.
Meanwhile, Hayes is more dynamic and brings high-level skill to the table. As his skating has drastically improved over the last few seasons, it is easier to see his raw ability.
He has great awareness and vision and an ability to make plays. This allows him to open up space for his teammates and generate high quality chances.
Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault severely limited the effectiveness of each of these players. However, I think Hayes is the player that has the higher ceiling and, ultimately, more room to grow.
During his time with the Rangers, Miller played an odd role. He easily could have been used in the top six, but bounced between the second and third line.
Miller had much more to give than what his role on the Rangers allowed. Just look at what he’s done playing on the top line with Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov in Tampa. (If you haven’t followed, he’s recorded seven goals and six assists for 13 points in 13 games).
There is no question that Miller is talented. However, Hayes has a more valuable skill set in the direction the Rangers are headed in. He is smart and skilled and makes the players around him better.
Hayes is a player that you can build a team around.
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Final Thoughts
The most important aspect of Hayes’s success, as well as the success of many of his teammates, will be seeing a change behind the bench.
Right now, the Rangers are in a fragile state. Having added new talent from the prospect pool and from the trade market, the Rangers need a leader who can manage these players and find a identity that works for this re-branded team.
If the Rangers want to see players like Hayes become what they expect them to be, they need a coach that will be able to come in and help stabilize the roster.
They need to tighten up the play in both zones and re-focus attention on a system that brings out the best qualities in the talent they have.
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By making the decision to keep him, the Rangers’ focus should be to ensure Hayes gets the opportunity he deserves. Additionally a change will help move so that no other player is ever wasted.
Hayes be a vital part in developing the Rangers identity if he is given the chance to perform to his full potential.