Rangers Believe J.T. Miller Part Of Long-Term Plan

How does the J.T. Miller trade impact the New York Rangers’ future?

By acquiring the 31-year-old forward, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury has put the team in a win-now mode.

Miller fits the timeline of New York’s veteran core, which includes Igor Shesterkin, Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Vincent Trocheck, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad.

With an aging group, Miller helps the Rangers capitalize on this window to compete for a Stanley Cup.

However, Drury feels Miller will be an integral player for the Rangers long into the future. The organization doesn't just view him as a short-term piece.

“Certainly an exciting day, an exciting night last night, to acquire JT Miller,” Drury said. “Certainly one of the premiere impact forwards in the NHL. Brings a unique combination of skills, size and physicality to our team. Not just helps us this year in the short term, but will be a key part of our core moving forward.”

Miller is coming off a 103-point season with the Vancouver Canucks, so there is a lot to be excited about in New York.

The Blueshirts are currently sitting outside of the playoff picture, but Miller’s arrival certainly helps the team’s postseason chances.

Drury has been encouraged by the Rangers’ most recent stretch and feels Miller could be the missing link to take them over the top.

“We've certainly had a better January,” Drury said. “Didn't end the way we wanted it to with the two losses to Colorado and Carolina. But as I've said in the past, my job on the management side of the organization is try and push forward as best we can and always find different ways to try and be a better team. We'll continue to do that.”

Miller is set to make his Rangers debut on Saturday afternoon against the Boston Bruins.