On March 16th, the New York Rangers signed prospect K’Andre Miller to an entry-level contract. He was picked with the 22nd overall selection in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. The 6’5, 210 lbs defenceman from Saint Paul, Minnesota put up 29 points in 58 games with the USNTDP during his draft year. During the 2018-19 season, he transferred over to the University of Wisconsin where he put up 22 points in 26 games as a freshman, more than the likes of Zach Werenski, Mike Matheson, Jacob Trouba, Noah Nanifin, and Charlie McAvoy. In his sophomore year at Wisconsin, he put up 18 points in 36 games. He also recorded two assists in five games for Team USA at the World Junior Championships.
Where K’Andre Miller Fits in New York
Defensive Concerns
If there’s one particular area of play where scouts and fans have worried about Miller, it’s his defensive play. Even before he was drafted, many mock drafts had him falling to the second round. This was largely due to the fact that he had only switched from a forward to a defenceman in highschool. This lead to questions regarding his defensive abilities.
Not long ago, Miller came under fire after a costly turnover that led to Team USA’s defeat to Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships. While being trailed by projected 2020 first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere, Miller tried to force a play through the middle of the ice instead of playing it out of the zone using the boards and ended up giving the puck to Lafreniere who scored the game-winning goal for Canada. Although this was only one instance, those who have studied Miller’s game feel that his defensive awareness could use improvement.
Vince Mercogliano conducted an interview with Miller’s coaches at Wisconsin, including associate coach Mike Osiecki, who works with the defencemen on the team. Osiecki said “the biggest thing he has to get focused on as he gets closer to playing in the NHL [is] recognizing… when he should be reliable defensively and just be patient,” and that “he’s more of a power-play guy right now than a penalty killer.” Evidently, those who have watched him closely feel that progress still needs to be made in his overall defensive abilities.
Signs of Encouragement
Due to the criticism he has received, it may seem that Miller’s defensive game is in need of a complete transformation in order to make it at the NHL level. However, that is far from the truth. Certain aspects of his defensive zone play are up to standard. While others, such as his man-to-man coverage and positioning, still need improvement. For example, he uses his large frame and long reach to shut down opposing forwards coming through the neutral zone and limit their space to make plays. He portrayed this as a Wisconsin Badger by leading all defensemen on the team in 5v5 zone entrance prevention rate, breaking up 46% of zone entrance attempts.
In addition, Miller combines his physique with his strong skating ability by protecting the puck well when it’s on his stick and forcing play out of the defensive zone. By doing this, he turns defence into offence and creates chances off the rush.
As exhibited by the chart above, Miller was in the uppermost group of players (top right) in the NCAA in terms of zone exits with possession under pressure, which is no small feat considering how far off the rest of his Badger teammates were in comparison.
Gaining Valuable Experience
Miller also has gained experience by joining the Rangers during their two-week training camp during Phase 3 of the NHL’s Return to Play Plan. He received major praise from teammates, coaches, and the Rangers’ front office. When asked by Vince Mercogliano, head coach David Quinn said, “What I really like about K’Andre’s game is how quick he’s thinking and recognizing plays… His physical skills are obvious to everybody. He skates really well. He’s got great size. He’s got a great reach. But I’ve liked the little small area plays he’s been able to make and how quickly he’s been able to move the puck.”
Where He Fits
As of now, the Rangers left-handed defencemen on the roster for next season consist of Marc Staal, Brendan Smith, Ryan Lindgren, and Libor Hajek. Besides Lindgren, not a single one of them performed at a level above replacement last season. Barring any changes, the Rangers left-defence corps are destined to be weak next year. On this weak left side of the Rangers blueline, K’Andre Miller could compete for a roster spot as soon as next season. It is certain that he will be attending training camp. Considering who his competition will be, Miller could certainly earn a spot in the opening night lineup.
Initially, he may not be prepared for a spot in the top-four; but in a sheltered third pairing role alongside a partner who he can learn from, Miller can certainly find success. If he makes some tremendous progress this offseason and manages to blow everyone away during training camp, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if he manages a role in the top-four. After all, Libor Hajek played top-pairing minutes alongside Jacob Trouba for portions of the 2019-20 season. If perhaps the Rangers are trying to get Miller comfortable at the NHL level early on, they may even give him some time next to Adam Fox, the best defenceman on the team. At the end of the day, his exact spot for next year is yet to be determined. However, K’Andre Miller is undoubtedly capable of surprising some by making the opening night roster.
*Thanks to Mitch Brown for the charts used in this piece.
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