New York Rangers Analysis: Previewing J.T. Millers' Opportunity At The USA Junior Camp
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 5, 2011 6:00 AM EDT
in New York Rangers Analysis
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PrintAs we reported here yesterday, J.T. Miller was invited to the USA Junior Evaluation Camp. If Miller, who is one of 40 selections who were invited to camp, makes the team it will be a fantastic opportunity to prove to the New York Rangers' brass what he is made of.
Miller wasn't the only big name on the list of invitees. The group included names like Rocco Grimaldi, Tyler Biggs, Jack Campbell and even Rangers' fifth-round pick Shane McColgan.
If Miller makes the team, he will be one of the younger selections (he's only 18-years-old) on the U-20 squad. Miller, who thrived against international competition last year, will get to show that he deserved the professional contract the Rangers signed him to a few weeks ago.
This should be a perfect litmus test for a player who is supposed to have a very well rounded game. Both Sweden and FInland have some pretty solid players on their squads, and it will be good to see how Miller handles them, both offensively, defensively and physically.
Join me after the jump for more.
Miller has taken a lot of criticism since he was drafted for turning back on a verbal contract to the University of North Dakota to play for the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. Miller also turned heads when he signed an entry level contract a few weeks ago, prompting people to think Miller is going about becoming a professional NHL players the "wrong way."
Personally, I disagree with this assessment. Miller made it very clear after he was drafted that he wanted to get to the NHL as fast as possible. Even when he seemed headed for the University of North Dakota, he vocally admitted to being on a one-year plan in the NCAA.
As far as I am concerned, it's good to see Miller doing everything he can to make the NHL. Going to the OHL, where he is nearly assured to go play next season (even though he's eligible to play in the AHL), puts him on a quicker track to the NHL than college hockey would. Plus, if he plays in the OHL this season it won't kick in the first year of his ELC.
This particular event, however, will give the Rangers a good idea of where Miller stands before training camp opens in September. As usual, you'll find all kinds of updates on both Miller and McColgan's performances.
For now, thoughts on this guys?
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It will be interesting to see how this kids stacks up. I agree Joe, it would be a very good measuring stick. I don’t really know anything about this kid’s game or his talent level. Maybe we will find out very shortly. Personally I wanted the Rangers to draft Armia as it appears he has off the charts skill. But I also trust Gordie and Gordie says Miller has tremendous hands for a kid his size. That alone says a lot to me. The Rangers need not only hard workers but skilled players. If this kid turns out to be a version of Kesler or Statsny then it’s a home run. It appears Miller does not lack confidence, lol. It will be a fun situation to watch.
Can't wait until 2013-2014 season to see this guy.
I’m thinking at least one year OHL and one year AHL. More likely two years OHL and starts third year (‘14-’15) in AHL.
This assumes that he’s not a colossal disappointment or that the organization decides to go a different direction in the system and systematically purge anyone not projecting and developing to be a top six forward (Grachev/Werek/Horak).
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Aug 5, 2011 6:43 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I think Horak will surprise a lot of people. I liked him a lot. I think Calgary did very well in that deal considering Erixon had a gun to their heads.
Agree on Horak, the Rangers gave up a nice bounty for him. Werek was intriguing to me as well. Grachev could turn out to be another Korpikoski, slow to develop but eventual 40 point player.
But the organization seams to have a plan and its working, which is why they work in hockey and I get paid to suck the farts out of movie theatre seats.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Aug 5, 2011 7:28 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
totally agree on all you just said. I said Korpi would score 20 at some point (19 last year) because I liked his wrist shot. Werek is a head case evidently and not in the new “Ranger mold” for hardworking players. Skill is there but I guess he likes to party more than work on his (hockey) game. people fart in their movie seats? I can’t believe it, lol. going tomorrow to take my son to Harry Potter and I will make an effort not to do so.
I wouldn't call Werek a headcase
But he lost his temper on the bench in the playoffs and started throwing sticks and all this other stuff, and I really think that upset the Rangers brass.
I think Werek is going to be a solid third liner.
#12 Carl Hagelin
by The Blue Seats on Aug 5, 2011 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions
So he has some emotion as a teenage. I don’t see anything wrong with that.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
It’s pretty unprofessional and childish.
Of course it probably isn’t the sole reason, but it may have been the “last straw”
#12 Carl Hagelin
by The Blue Seats on Aug 6, 2011 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions
To add on to that
He upset the Ranger brass when he had his wrist injury and didn’t tell the team.
A couple weeks later they realized that it really WAS serious damage, and he missed a big chunk of time that he wouldn’t have if he went right to the organization.
#12 Carl Hagelin
by The Blue Seats on Aug 6, 2011 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
And Torts threw a water bottle at a fan. And Crosby whines and slew foots. And Ovechkin goes knee to knee. And some baseball managers go on tirades and throw shit everywhere. And people jump up and down and have temper tantrums all the time. And people speed their cars when they are angry. Or punch a wall. ETC ETC ETC
He’s a teenager. Sure its childish, but he’s a child. I rather see that than a player who can’t seem to give two shits.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
ahl eligibility
If miller plays 1 year in the ohl is he still allowed to play in the ahl before he’s 20?
by rangerfan44 on Aug 5, 2011 9:55 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
i could be wrong but i believe he would not be eligible… I think the rule is any player whom comes from Juniors is not eligible for the AHL until he turns 20, however since he was not drafted out of Juniors I’m not sure if that factors… As far as I know any player who comes to the Pro Ranks prior to turning 20 is only eligible for the NHL or Juniors…
@clalicata17
You are incorrect sir
Because Miller was not drafted from a CHL team he can play in the AHL right now, regardless of the time he spends in juniors.
Just like Grachev, who only spent one year with Brampton before going pro and playing for the Whale.
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by Joe Fortunato on Aug 5, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
thanks joe!
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
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