If I were to build the perfect center for David Pastrnak, it would look a lot like JT Miller. He's big, fast and physical. He forechecks hard and is a play driver who wins battles and sets up scoring chances out of the corners. He's a playmaker first, but he also has a wicked shot and can beat goalies clean from distance. He's good on face-offs. He back checks hard and he's fast enough to catch guys. He's a left shot who plays the opposite elbow on the power play and has a good 1-timer. He's intense and plays with fire which I'd like to think would help keep Pasta engaged. I think he could be our Sam Bennett.
My reservations are his age, his off-ice issues and the fact that it is exceedingly rare for a team with two top6 centers over 30 to win a Cup.
Maybe that last reservation has already been solved, if Lindholm sticks on the 3rd line. Either way, I've decided that's not really JT Miller's problem. If you can add a 100 point center, you do it. You can always figure out what to do with the other guy afterwards.
The off-ice issues are scary too, but as others have mentioned, they have two guys who played with him. I could see a scenario where the Bruins ask for their input and are satisfied that whatever happened in Vancouver won't happen here.
Lastly, the age is an issue. Age declining curves are real, as are the handful of the guys who beat them. Miller is 31 and will be 36 on the last year of his deal. I think it's safe to say he won't be a point per game center by the end of it, but he probably doesn't have to be. The core of this team is 26-28 so their window is probably the next 2-3 years, and I do think Miller can give you top6 center for at least 2 of those years. If he starts to fade in year 3 or 4 he has a game that will translate further down the lineup and he can play any position so there should still be utility there, and an $8m cap hit with a $125m cap is probably going to be 3rd liner money by then.
So, long story short (too late) I would take a chance on Miller. I can see why some people love the idea and I can see why some people hate the idea. I don't think either side is 'wrong' but for me, I think the potential negatives can be overcome, and I fully expect him to spark some bubble team to an amazing second half, and be a driver for them again next year. If the price is right, why not us?