After selecting Russian winger Vitali Kravtsov ninth overall, the New York Rangers traded up to 22nd overall and selected K’Andre Miller of the United States National Team Development Program.
The New York Rangers decided that they could not pass up on K’Andre Miller. They decided that 26th and 48th overall picks were necessary to sacrifice in order to move up to 22. The Rangers obtained the pick from the Ottawa Senators.
I believe the Rangers reached for Miller, who was ranked 23rd among North American skaters by NHL central scouting. However, it was also not a big reach and the Rangers’ scouting department has had success in reaches lately, namely Filip Chytil.
Production-wise Miller tallied nine goals and 29 points overall in 58 games for the US NTDP last season.
Currently, Miller committed to attending the University of Wisconsin next season. Interestingly enough, he is actually a converted forward. A few seasons of strength training and development will suit him well.
He fits into the organizations’ vision overall in the sense that he is offensive-minded and smart defenseman. In addition, at his size: 6’4″ and currently 200lbs, he projects to be an imposing presence on the blue line.
Not too long ago, the Rangers had one of the worst farm systems in the NHL. This was a product of trading away picks in perennial trade deadline acquisitions and lackluster drafting. In the last season, the Rangers have restocked their cupboard in a big way.
Lias Andersson, Filip Chytil, Yegor Rykov, Libor Hajek, Ryan Lindgren and now Vitali Kravtsov all project to figure prominently into the Rangers’ future.
The addition of Miller further augments the farm system as the Rangers look to bide their time in order to assemble a serious Stanley Cup contender in a few seasons.
Next: A deep dive into the Rangers' salary cap situation
As before, our friends at Blueshirt Banter have compiled an impressive profile for Miller. The Rangers still have a lot of work ahead of them this weekend in Dallas. As it stands, the team has six more selections tomorrow. Stay tuned to Blue Line Station for those selections, analysis and more!