The New York Rangers announced late Friday that they have signed prospect defenceman K’Andre Miller to a three-year entry-level contract. The defender just recently completed his sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin (NCAA). He was the 22nd overall selection of the Rangers in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
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The deal for Miller is a three-year, entry-level contract ($925,000 AAV) that begins in the 2020/21 season. The 2018 1st round selection recorded seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 36 games this season for Wisconsin of the NCAA, He will report to Hartford of the American Hockey League.
K’Andre Miller Signs with the Rangers
He will be on an amateur try out agreement until the end of the season. With practically all professional sports on hiatus, there’s no telling when he could play for Hartford. Theoretically, he will be available for the Wolfpack in the playoffs.
The 6’4”, 207-pound defencemen collected 18 points and added 24 minutes in penalties this season. He currently holds a 0.58 point per game pace, making the Rangers happy with the 22nd overall pick used on him.
Miller has shown his coaches in Wisconsin that he is a reliable two-way blueliner. He chips in for the offense as is shown by his seven goals and 11 assists this year. But he has the ability to transition back into defense quickly. He plays to the whistle on every shift, whether it’s offensive or defensive and he transitions seamlessly between the two.
What this means moving forward
For the immediate future, this signing is relatively insignificant. All professional sports are on hold due to the outbreak of COVID-19. When play resumes, Miller has the chance to make an impression on the coaches in Hartford. He has a high upside if he can transition into professional play. Potentially a number one defensive choice, with a little luck.
It really depends on the multiple high-end two-way defensemen in the Rangers system as much as Miller’s own development to see where he lands in the future. The skills are available, he just needs to refine them to professional levels. It will be exciting to watch where he lands in the depth charts after play resumes.
