New York Rangers: Getting to know K’Andre Miller’s playing style
With the 22nd overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers selected American defenseman K’Andre Miller. With elite potential and high upside, Miller has the talent to be a very successful player.
The New York Rangers held three picks in the first round of this year’s draft; nine, 26 and 28. As the draft ensued, the Rangers had their eye on a player in the 20s; K’Andre Miller.
With word that the Anaheim Ducks were prepared to take him at 23, Jeff Gorton decided to act. He sent the 26th pick and the 48th pick to Ottawa for the 22nd pick, and then grabbed Miller.
Miller is very talented but also very raw. He only started playing defense two years ago, after being a forward for most of his life. Even though he was new to the position, he still made the US National Development Team Program in 2017.
Miller is slated to attend the University of Wisconsin this fall. While he is likely a few years away from the Rangers, some time in the NCAA and AHL is exactly what he needs. That being said, let’s take a deeper dive into K’Andre Miller.
Skating
Miller is a fantastic skater. His stride looks effortless but he has great speed, both forwards and backwards. He is able to rush the puck, and can also pinch and still have the speed to get back.
He has great acceleration, as well as agility and edgework. Miller can change direction on a dime, and can make quick cuts. This aids in his transition game. He also has a strong lower body, and can be tough to knock off the puck.
Offense
Combined with his skating, Miller’s ability with the puck makes him a dangerous player. He makes a good first pass, and can skate the puck out of danger.
Because of Miller’s passing ability, he is deadly from the point in the offensive zone. The vision and ability to make plays are most definitely there. He uses his quickness to open up lanes, both for himself and his teammates. His shot is very accurate, and his release is quick.
One knock on his offensive game is that he lacks power in his slap shot. Because of this, he is more of a distributor than a shooter at the point.
Defense
Miller is very aggressive and physical in the defensive zone. He maintains good gap control, which is due to his skating ability. He can also take his man out one-on-one.
Miller has some positioning issues, but this will only get better with good coaching and more experience at the position.
Projection
Miller is very much a project, but his upside is very high. If he gets good coaching in the NCAA and AHL, he should make a highly effective defenseman, both with and without the puck. The fact that he has acclimated so quickly to a new position, and succeeded, speaks volumes.
The ability is there, it’s up to him and his coaches to put it all together.
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The Rangers made a smart move selecting Miller. They went for a player with high upside, they didn’t play it safe. In a rebuilding situation, these are the kinds of picks you need to make, especially when you have multiple picks in a round. If Miller pans out and reaches his potential, he could be one of the steals of the first round.