J.T. Miller emerging into a leader and star since being traded by the Rangers
Over the last few years, the Rangers have moved a lot of key players from the lineup. We aren’t talking about players like Nick Holden or Matt Puempel, no we have some big names gone in just the last few years.
Notable Rangers that have moved on
In the 2016-2017 season, the Rangers traded or let go the likes of; Keith Yandle, Derrick Brassard, and Eric Staal. Then the 2017-18 season brought an even bigger overhaul. Starting before the draft the Rangers bought out Dan Girardi, and traded a ton of players.
Big names like; Derek Stepan, Rick Nash, Ryan McDonagh, and Michael Grabner, Kevin Hayes, and Mats Zuccarello were sent packing. Still, when you look at all these names the one I left out is the one player that will likely haunt the Rangers for years to come.
J.T. Miller continues to get better and better
Full disclosure, I am an unabashed fan of every aspect of J.T. Miller’s game. The 27 year old winger has all the tools you can ask for in a player. He has size at 6’1″ and 218 lbs, plus he uses it well in the corners and in front. Miller has decent speed, which coupled with his on ice vision makes him an excellent playmaker.
In his first season in Vancouver, he has posted 27 goals and 72 points in 69 contests. For a power forward, he also very durable having played all 82 games in 4 of the last 5 seasons. All these factors plus his character looks like that of a future captain.
The Canucks also advanced in their qualifying series against the Minnesota Wild. Miller was a big reason for that, notching 3 points in the team’s 4 games.
More importantly is the leadership he is bringing to the team on and off the ice. Just check out him announcing the Canucks line-up and the room pumped around him.
Trading J.T. Miller will haunt Rangers fans for years
No matter what, Miller seems destined to be in for great things. As he continues to mature and his offensive abilities improve, Miller will remain a nightmare for the Rangers fans.
What would a 27 year-old Miller look like with Mika Zibanejad right now? Or how dangerous would the Rangers be with three left wings like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Miller.
It certainly makes me wonder.
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