Hartnett: Expect Rangers' Miller To Continue Taking Big Steps Forward

By Sean Hartnett
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J.T. Miller has always possessed the tools to become an essential member of the Rangers. His fortunes changed dramatically once he blended his first-round pick ability with the right level of commitment.

The 23-year-old's hard work paid off last season, as he set career highs in goals (22), assists (21) and points (43). He was rewarded with a sizable bump in pay on Wednesday. Miller and the Rangers avoided arbitration by agreeing to a two-year pact worth $2.75 million in annual-average value, a handsome raise over his $874,000 salary last season.

It wasn't that long ago when head coach Alain Vigneault demanded more from Miller in terms of on-ice effort and off-ice preparation. AV's message wasn't subtle. It was blunt and to the point.

"He just hasn't earned the right to be at this level on a regular basis," Vigneault said in April 2014. "He needs to show more commitment on the ice and off. Until he does that, he hasn't earned the right. Any young player going through the process of being an NHL player -- you've got to figure it out. Hopefully he will -- and when he does, we'll have a pretty good player. And if he doesn't figure it out, he'll be a good minor-leaguer."

Miller heard the message loud and clear. He described Vigneault's comments as "constructive" and pushed himself hard during offseason workouts. Aside from the week of his mother's marriage in Hawaii, Miller was constantly working in the gym and on the ice. The East Palestine, Ohio native arrived early for informal workouts on the Rangers' training center ice in the summer of 2014 with the motivation of proving to everyone he belongs in the NHL.

"I definitely didn't take it personal," Miller told WFAN.com at the time. "The only thing you can do is learn from mistakes and try to be a better pro. Obviously, (Vigneault) has been helpful telling me in a constructive way like that. The only thing I can control right now is what kind of shape I come into camp in. When it's time to fight for a spot, my goal is to try to stay."

MORE: Hartnett: Rangers Must Think Carefully About Chris Kreider's Worth

From that point forward, Miller began changing his perception. Vigneault began trusting Miller to the point that he was elevated to a top-six role during the 2015 playoffs while Mats Zuccarello was sidelined.

Last season was the real breakthrough, however. Miller skated in all 82 games for the first time in his career. He had earned consistent top-six ice time, skating alongside Rick Nash and Derick Brassard for much of the season. He won over Vigneault by improving his positioning and learning how to effectively use his 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame to be strong on the puck and to win battles in the corners. Most importantly, Vigneault recognized Miller's upturn in maturity.

Miller had earned AV's full trust.

"He is starting to understand the game, starting to understand what he needs to do to become a better player," Vigneault said in January. "Was it my first year that I said he needs to figure it out? Well, he's figuring it out. As you get older and get more mature, you learn things and you apply those things and definitely that's what he's doing."

Teammates saw the difference, too. From start to finish, Miller was the Rangers' most consistent forward last season. He found a way to contribute every night through scoring, winning physical battles and doing unselfish work that led to danger-area opportunities for teammates.

"He's figured out how to play consistently strong hockey," alternate captain Marc Staal told WFAN.com in January. "He's been one of our more consistent players all year long. When he gets in on the forecheck and separating guys to the puck, that creates space for teammates. He's really effective and found a way to bring that every night. It's a big plus for our team."

"I think he's growing," Henrik Lundqvist added. "I think he's taking a big step this season for sure. He's so skilled. He can shoot the puck, he can play physical, he can make a lot of good plays. When you add all those things together and his confidence and focus on the job, he can do a lot of good things for us out there."

Miller's star has risen to the point where he was named to the under-23 North American team set to compete at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in September. Notably, he was selected as one of the roster's initial 16 members. It is proof of Miller's enhanced reputation in the hockey world. Everyone around the league knows just how good he can be and they recognize his career is moving in an upward trajectory.

It's a huge compliment for Miller to be selected as one of the best nine North American forwards in his age bracket by U.S. general manager Peter Chiarelli and associate GM Stan Bowman. Chiarelli won the Stanley Cup in 2011 with the Boston Bruins and Bowman has helped guide the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships since taking over as GM in 2009.

Miller has taken the right steps in becoming an important member of the Rangers. Given his dedicated work ethic and package of high-end skill, his star will continue to rise in the coming years.

Follow Sean on Twitter at @HartnettHockey