The New Kid On The Block

JT Miller was once a top pick of the New York Rangers and projected to be a big part of the fastly improving team at the time. Then there were trades and injury and before he knew it, there was no space for the prospect. Miller paid his dues, as he spent a long time, for a prospect, in the AHL and bouncing between Hartford and Manhattan. Miller is having a great season so far, but it may just be the beginning of the new era in Rangerstown. 

Miller has had a rough start to his career. After being picked 15th overall in the 2011 draft, he was immediately sent to the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. He was a skilled young foward with speed who quickly dominated the competition. In his first season there, Miller scored 25 goals and had 37 assists for an outstanding mark of 62 points. This showed the Rangers' front office that JT was going to be great. He was then promoted to the AHL and he continued his dominance. Over his "career" in the AHL, Miller produced 23 goals and 43 assists in 83 games played over two seasons. This was surely the way to get promoted again to the NHL, but the story was not meant to go that way. Over the next two years Miller would play a combined total of 56 games for the Rangers, as he was usually used as an injury replacement or a fourth liner. Miller was not fit for this role, but he was open to expanding his game.

When the 2014-2015 season arrived, it looked as if the trend would continue, as he remained in the AHL, and it seemed as if he was forgotten after a great preseason. Miller yet again dominated the AHL in his limited time there and when multiple injuries came about Miller, was the replacement. Then as fellow 21 year old Chris Krieder left due to a death in the family, Miller showed his value. Since the absence of Kreider, Miller has scored and assisted on 2 goals which has helped the Rangers fill the void of Kreider. When Kreider left, it looked like top prospect Anthony Ducliar would take his place, but Miller had proven himself enough to claim a spot on the team. There are now internal talks of keeping Miller on the team permanently, as one of the older players would be cut or scratched. Miller's dedication to the Rangers and the game of hockey have given him and the Rangers new life. Miller is looking to expand his role and his talents with the Rangers, and the fans want another star.