After learning that the New York Rangers recalled (finally called up) J.T. Miller, their 2011 1st-round-pick and 15th overall, it seems like the pieces are all falling into place for a team who about three seasons ago was in rebuilding mode.
Miller, who was selected for the AHL All-Star game this season, has the potential to be a big time player in the NHL. He plays a very similar style to Ryan Callahan and that is the type of player NY fans have learned to love.
His future is undoubtedly bright, but what should be expected of him in the near future?
Follow me after the jump for my expectations.
In the AHL this season, he has put up 8 goals and 12 points for a combined 20 points in 37 games. He is by no means a goal scorer or the next Rick Nash; however, he does play a Grinder/Power-forward game similar to the likes of, as mentioned earlier, Ryan Callahan.
According to Hockey's Future, his talent analysis is as follows:
"Miller is an excellent two-way player, with some offensive upside.A good face-off man he plays well along the boards and in tight areas."
Seeing as how the Rangers gave up Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov to acquire goal scorer Rick Nash this past offseason, the surplus of hardworking and defensively responsible players on the team decreased. Miller was seen as a player who could replace either of the two. However, he was not expected to do it as early as this season.
If Miller, who turns 20 next month, plays his game the way he knows how to and does that with enough consistency for John Tortorella, he could find himself with a permanent spot on the team, similar to the way Carl Hagelin did last year - especially now that Mike Rupp was also traded.
But if he fails to do that and Tortorella believes that more playing time in the AHL will help, don't panic Ranger fans. This kid will be around for a long time.
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