Why the Rangers Picked J.T. Miller

For the second straight season Gordie Clark and the New York Rangers went slightly off the board when picking a player in the first half of round 1 that was expected to be selected in the second half. However, every organization and its scouts have their reasons for who they pick, and after digging through some scouting reports, it has become quite clear to me what the Rangers' reasons are for picking J.T. Miller 15th overall on Friday. 

We've discussed the new identity and style of this Ranger team over and over again throughout the past year; hard-working, in-your-face, blue collar hockey. J.T. Miller fits into all of those categories as he is a willing player who consistently competes. He is a mean kid with a relentless work ethic, which is why Gordie Clark compared him to current Blueshirt Brandon Dubinsky. It's also why his player comparison on mynhldraft.com is Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks. And most importantly, it's also why the Rangers drafted him. 

From what I've read, J.T. Miller is a John Tortorella player. By that I mean he will do whatever the coach asks him to and will give his best effort no matter what. Miller is the type of player who values the name on the front of the sweater more than the one on the back, and that's what being a New York Ranger is all about. 

At one point Miller was ranked 13th among this year's draft class, but later fell to the mid-20s after an unproductive season this past year. He openly admits that things didn't exactly go right for him this year, but that's certainly not going to stop this optimistic 18-year-old. 

Jonathan has decent size at 6-foot-1 and said he is currently playing at 200-pounds but would be more comfortable playing at 210. He may not have been the most skilled guy available at 15, and he may not have been the best available goal scorer, but he was one of the hardest-working forwards available (plays all 3 positions) and those types of players are what appeal to the Rangers' eye now-a-days. 

You don't have to agree with the pick, but I am just explaining why it was made. Miller will be a project, but the hope is that by the time he is ready for the National Hockey League, the Rangers will have him molded into the next Brandon Dubinsky or Ryan Kesler, which is completely fine by me. 

Here's Miller's interview with Jim Cerny of nyrangers.com:

 

And one more scouting report (ignore the scout's horrific grammar):

Jonathan MIller: watched him a lot since he was 15 since his days with Pittsburgh Hornets- Midwest Elite League.. Excels in avery area of the game. Has great tenacity and work ethic, Great passer,speed ,shot and hits. Only negative is that he has bulked up alot in upper body. The trend in the NHL is the opposite. Take a look at Stamkos.

"I'm a pretty competitive kid," Miller said. "I've always wanted to compete, and I'm pretty hard to play against. I think that's my biggest attribute."

Comments

[JohnP]

He seems like a good honest kid and I truly hopes he develpos into more than what some reports have him projected as. I hope he develops into a Kessler and with that we can all be happy. Time will tell.

[Joshua]

Grachev traded wow 3 pick stl

[scrangersfan]

Big mistake by the Rangers. The kid will be a star in the NHL. within 3 years. Tipical ranger move that's why they can not win a cup.Trade away potential stars for 3rd line grinders. Way to go Slats! you moron!

[Scott Chaskin]

We need skill! I love the hard work ethic but goals win games and we stink at the scoring touch. How long can we keep so much weight on the King's shoulders?

I think of Mike Bossy, Brian Trottier and Clark Gillies - that was a great, balanced line.

Kreider, who I thouhgt was a great pick, was also off the draft track, so that is 3 years in a row of off the beam picks. McIlrath I'm not convinced yet will be good.

McNeil will be ready in less than a year - watch the Hawks - Miller will be at least 3 years - for another hard worker.