The New York Rangers have announced the signing of their 2011 first-round pick (15th overall), J.T Miller to an entry-level deal.Miller, 18, was originally committed to the NCAA's North Dakota, but after the draft he decided to take the CHL route instead, and joined the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL.
Last season, Miller recorded 15 goals and 35 assists in 56 games, along with 86 penalty-minutes. He skates at 6-foot-1, 198-pounds, and he plays a strong two-way game. In some cases, Miller plays like a power-forward, and he is strong around the net.
Miller can play on the Rangers' AHL affiliate Connecticut Whale this season, as he was drafted out of the USHL, not the CHL. Miller has told reporters in the past that he wants to be NHL ready by next year.
Most scouts believe that Miller is physically ready for the NHL, and if size were the only factor he needed to be an NHL player, he would be a fit right away. He is a good skater and he has a decent shot. Miller's work ethic is what impressed NHL scouts the most, though.
Good move by the Rangers. Now Miller can be tested during the team's main training camp, and during the pre-season. I doubt that he will be NHL ready for this coming season, and at age 18 I would expect the Rangers will have him play a season or two with Plymouth before he becomes a pro.
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