J.T. Miller
HT: 6-1
WT: 198
Pos: LW
Shoots: L
Birthday: 3/14/93
Team: USA,
U18
2009-2010 stats: 15g, 16a, 46gp, 79PIM (USA, U17)
2010-2011 stats: 11g, 26a, 48gp, 78PIM
2010-2011 playoffs: N/A
NHL.com profile
>
Ranks:
The Hockey News: 59
CSS: 23 Midterm Rank: 13
ISS: 16
TSN: 18 Midterm Rank: 28
TSN (Craig Button): N/A
The Scouting Report: 20 Midterm Rank: 30
Bruins 2011 Draft Watch: 22
Corey Pronman: 54
ESPN: 14
Highlight
Reel >
What They’re Saying:
THN – “It’s expected J.T. Miller will be pulled in different
directions by the time he’s drafted. He
has made a verbal commitment to NCAA’s North
Dakota, but the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers own his junior
rights and they’ll push hard to get him into the fold. ‘I think he’ll end up in Plymouth,’ a scout said. ‘I know he’s on the fence, so whoever drafts
him will probably try to convince him to go to Plymouth.’ Scouts do like Miller’s skill level, but what really has them excited is
his work ethic and willingness to drive the net on a consistent basis. There are inconsistencies in his game, but
when he’s motivated and playing well he can be difficult to handle. ‘He gives you the same effort every shift,’
another scout said. ‘He works his butt
off. He has skill and maybe can play on
your top two lines, but I think he’ll be better at the NHL level as a role
player or defensive specialist.’ Miller
could easily slide down into the third round.”
The
Scouting Report – “The skill set to be reliable 2 way forward has always
been there as prior to this year, Miller has been at worst a strong skating
centerman who plays hard on both sides of the puck. He always possessed the
puck skills necessary to contribute offensively but lacked that consistency
leading to questions about his hockey sense. Miller seems to have answered
those as the year progressed culminating in an excellent showing at the U18’s.
There are some rumblings that the North Dakota recruit will opt for Plymouth in the OHL.”
Bruins
2011 Draft Watch – “We're not as bullish on Miller as others are, but we
agonized over whether to include the immensely talented Ohio native who played his minor hockey for
the Pittsburgh Hornets organization after his explosion at the Under-18s in
April. All year, we watched Miller and recognized his excellent size, skating,
hands and sense, but wondered why he was having so much trouble translating his
myriad natural gifts into production. Miller showed what he's capable of when
he led Team USA
in scoring en route to an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal at that
tourney by the Americans. When on top of his game, he can back defenses up with
his ability to handle the puck at top speed. He uses his big frame to shield
the puck well and can hit open teammates with pinpoint passes. He
and Rocco Grimaldi teamed up with Reid Boucher for a memorable
goal against Canada- Grimaldi blew Travis Ewanykoff the puck with a big
hit behind the net. As it skittered to Miller, he already knew where Boucher
was just inside the left circle and zipped a crisp pass right into Boucher's
wheelhouse. In a split second, it was by Malcolm Subban. Those are the
kinds of plays Miller didn't make with enough regularity this season, but we
wouldn't at all be surprised if an NHL club jumped on him in the top-15. The
skills are there, we're just not sure about the rest of the package to be able
to score consistently at the highest level.”
Hockey’s
Future – “Miller plays the style that many of us expect of an American
prospect. He makes the Leclairs, Tkachuks and Guerins proud. He is a driven
forward who will do whatever it takes to get the puck into the net. He finds
himself in scoring situations on almost every shift. And when he's not trying
to score, he's trying to get the puck and his tenacious and physical style can
really take a toll on opponents. Miller is an easy player to like and
definitely the kind of player you want on your team instead of lining up
against it.”
Kevin
Allen – “He is 6-2, can skate like the wind and is just starting to explore
the enormity of his talent. He has the potential to be dominant.”
The
Hockey Writers – “Considered a power forward, Miller does have considerable
offensive upside, which he should hone while playing NCAA hockey. He posses
good speed, and loves to go to the net. He can also be considered a pest to
opposing players because of how hard he goes to the net. Miller should be turn into a good American
power forward in the likes of a Brandon Dubinsky. He is a project pick however,
and may take the full four years at college to fully develop his game.”
THN.com – “A two-way performer with skill and hockey sense, Miller has contributed to
Team USA’s
offense no matter where the competition comes from. The left winger has tallied
his fair share of points against NCAA schools, international teams and the
United States League, where he is tied for third in NTDP scoring with 10 points
in 12 games.”
Kyle
Woodlief, Red Line Report – “Miller doesn't get the love he deserves, but
is a strong bull of a lad who can impact a game in a number of ways. He plays a
hard-driving style and can overpower defenders in the corners, winning puck
battles and heading straight to net. His playmaking ability is underrated and
he unleashes a heavy shot while barreling down the wing.”
Mock Drafts:
Adam Kimelman, NHL.com – 25
Mike Morreale, NHL.com – N/A
Steven Hoffner, NHL.com – N/A
Deven Persaud, NHL.com – 30
TSN.ca – N/A
Gary Joyce, ESPN – 15
Mark Seidel, CBC – N/A
Hockey’s Future – 20
The Hockey News – N/A
Thoughts: A late-riser, Miller has rocketed up draft boards
and there are now those that believe he could be a top-10 pick. It’s obvious that some are in love with his
considerable potential while others aren’t as convinced that he’s poised to be
a dominant pro. Miller has size and has
already established himself as a two-way player, so he seems like a good bet to
make it to the NHL. The question is in
what capacity and opinions are obviously split.
The Rangers have had success drafting young Americans in
recent years and might give serious thought to selecting Miller at No. 15.
