GDT: 2019 World Junior Summer Showcase, July 26-Aug. 3 | Plymouth, Mich.

[gravey9]

I think he should turn pro next summer, but spend the full season in the AHL

Let's see how much he develops this season. If his game is roughly in the same spot, I'd leave him in college. If you listen to WJSS coach's comments on Miller, it's quite interesting. He talks about his size, speed and confidence. He's mostly talking about his raw abilities and his confidence. But he's not talking about him in the way you might a guy whose ready to go to the next level. There's no cliches about him being his most reliable D. All situations, etc, etc.

Granato's done a hell a job with him so far. He's best staying at Wisco for as long as he needs.

 

[nyr2k2]

I remember Step turned pro after two years, and then I was adamant that he'd be playing in the AHL because no way was he ready. And then there he was, getting off to a flying start and never looking back. I think Miller will turn pro, and where he starts will be up to his performance and the established composition of our roster.

 

[offdacrossbar]

granato glows when he discusses this kid. says he's got pro tools and unlimited upside.

skies the limit with him.

i continue to believe he will be here next fall looking to earn a spot.

 

[RGY]

Best scenario is Rangers make playoffs and Miller can be on the taxi squad after his Wisconsin season ends to get experience in that environment.

 

[NYR Viper]

Best scenario is Rangers make playoffs and Miller can be on the taxi squad after his Wisconsin season ends to get experience in that environment.

I think it would be better if Hartford made a long run in the playoffs and he joined them

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Let's see how much he develops this season. If his game is roughly in the same spot, I'd leave him in college. If you listen to WJSS coach's comments on Miller, it's quite interesting. He talks about his size, speed and confidence. He's mostly talking about his raw abilities and his confidence. But he's not talking about him in the way you might a guy whose ready to go to the next level. There's no cliches about him being his most reliable D. All situations, etc, etc.

Granato's done a hell a job with him so far. He's best staying at Wisco for as long as he needs.

I agree that Granato’s done a wonderful job, and I also agree that he’s got things to work on. But watching him at Wisconsin last season, it was pretty evident (to me) that he over-relies on his athleticism to get out of the defensive situations that he needs to work on, and Granato kind of lets him just go out and play the rover. I just think he needs a step up in competition (as well as playing more games and getting more reps) to be able to totally focus on his weaker areas

 

[RGY]

I think it would be better if Hartford made a long run in the playoffs and he joined them

True. Well that would be nice. Didnt cross my mind because that hasnt been option in what feels like an eternity

 

[bobbop]

Watching Miller before and after Wisconsin, there's no question coaching is having a very positive effect. He was a turnover machine at the USNDT. A world of difference now.

 

[gravey9]

I remember Step turned pro after two years, and then I was adamant that he'd be playing in the AHL because no way was he ready. And then there he was, getting off to a flying start and never looking back. I think Miller will turn pro, and where he starts will be up to his performance and the established composition of our roster.

Step had the hockey IQ and knowledge of center ice position to step in without stunting his game. He wasn't great at faceoffs and other things, but his hockey IQ and anticipation were off the charts and it allowed him to step in a lot faster than most.

The things that Miller needs to work on are related to how he processes the game at the D position. He needs to work on reading plays. I would like to see him improve his positioning away from the puck. I'd like to see him make better reads along the walls. He needs to work on escapability and making those short 5 ft breakout passes when he's under pressure. Far too often, he's only leading the breakout when he has to space to skate it out.

I think, if promoted too soon, he runs the risk of oversimplifying the game out of fear. We don't want him handling the puck in the D zone like a grenade. He needs to grow his game and his confidence at a lower level, come in as well-rounded as possible. Yes, at times he over-relies on his size and raw physical tools a bit too much but at least at the WJC's that over-reliance exposed him to obvious mistakes. Which means, there is still much to gain against college and amateur competition.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Step had the hockey IQ and knowledge of center ice position to step in without stunting his game. He wasn't great at faceoffs and other things, but his hockey IQ and anticipation were off the charts and it allowed him to step in a lot faster than most.

The things that Miller needs to work on are related to how he processes the game at the D position. He needs to work on reading plays. I would like to see him improve his positioning away from the puck. I'd like to see him make better reads along the walls. He needs to work on escapability and making those short 5 ft breakout passes when he's under pressure. Far too often, he's only leading the breakout when he has to space to skate it out.

I think, if promoted too soon, he runs the risk of oversimplifying the game out of fear. We don't want him handling the puck in the D zone like a grenade. He needs to grow his game and his confidence at a lower level, come in as well-rounded as possible. Yes, at times he over-relies on his size and raw physical tools a bit too much but at least at the WJC's that over-reliance exposed him to obvious mistakes. Which means, there is still much to gain against college and amateur competition.

I agree mainly with this. He definitely has a few areas in his game that need to be improved before he can step into the NHL.

I'll be interested to see where he is at come the WJCs.

 

[nyr2k2]

IDK. My thing is usually that, when a player reaches a point where they can get by on their physical talents alone, they should be moved up. I think he'll do really well and develop his game this year, and if so, then he ought to move on.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

IDK. My thing is usually that, when a player reaches a point where they can get by on their physical talents alone, they should be moved up. I think he'll do really well and develop his game this year, and if so, then he ought to move on.

This is why I’d like to split the difference and have him in the AHL after this season

 

[gravey9]

IDK. My thing is usually that, when a player reaches a point where they can get by on their physical talents alone, they should be moved up. I think he'll do really well and develop his game this year, and if so, then he ought to move on.

I agree with this sentiment. I just think he's getting by on his physical talents alone. Yes, his offensive numbers at Wisconsin looked very nice. But it's unclear if he was getting by on his physical talents, especially in the D zone.

 

[Ola]

IDK. My thing is usually that, when a player reaches a point where they can get by on their physical talents alone, they should be moved up. I think he'll do really well and develop his game this year, and if so, then he ought to move on.

Yeah, but it’s pretty far from Miller winning games in the NCAA alone for his team. That step is so far for a defensemen. Sure he can kind of get by and be a top 2 D in the NCAA by putting out the skates, but so much more can be done for a defensemen. It’s important that his coach pushes him in that direction though. Not just looking at the upcoming 60, but a few months down the road. Get him to try at least two rushes per game. Then at least one per period. Push him like that more.