Continuing through report card season, starting with the players that are no longer with the organization, the most polarizing will most certainly be the K’Andre Miller report card. Unlike Ryan Lindgren, who was a warrior that simply broke down, Miller was supremely skilled and just couldn’t reach that next level with the Rangers. Though his overall body of work was solid, it was his mistakes in the defensive zone that caught everyone’s ire and perhaps skewed opinions of his play.
Miller finished last season with 7 goals and 27 points, which was second among defensemen (Adam Fox) and 10th among all Rangers skaters. For those who enjoy non-offensive stats, Miller also had 107 hits (7th on the team, 2nd among defensemen) and 110 blocked shots (2nd on team and among defensemen). His 110 shots on goal were also 2nd among defensemen and 8th on the club.
By most stats, Miller was easily the 2nd best defenseman on the team if you look at the big picture. His possession metrics illustrate essentially the same thing, though with offense driving stats doing the lion’s share of the work.
Miller’s overall body of work was fine but certainly needed improvement. If anything, Miller’s immense struggles defensively are symbolic of the entire Rangers team, not just Miller himself. But that doesn’t mean Miller was without fault. While the big picture on Miller’s game last season was mostly strong offensively, he struggled with quality chances against at 5v5 (though was very good shorthanded).
The quality chances against concerns check out with the eye test, as it seemed every turnover wound up in the back of his net. Saying every turnover wound up as a goal against is hyperbole, but it sure felt that way. In the end, our K’Andre Miller report card grades needs to account for both big picture play and his ill-timed turnovers. You can’t ignore the turnovers, but it’s also hard to see past those to the larger body of work.
K’Andre Miller report card grade: C
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