K'Andre Miller's trade to Carolina is one of the best things to happen to the Rangers since the Blueshirts made the playoffs. And I kid you not.
Start with the fact that we're talking about a defenseman who really should be a forward. Or, the corollary; K'D never learned how to play defense; with a capital D.
Then we get to the matter of moolah. Those Sugar Daddies in Raleigh seem to believe that Miller is a combination of Cale Makar-Quinn Hughes. Why else would those No-More-Cup-winners toss an eight-year $60 million extension at this guy?
(Permit me a moment to tell you that NHL Wraparound, co-hosted by Neil Smith and Vic Morren, is far and away The Maven's favorite podcast. The lads are the most insightful, humorous and easy to listen to since Matt and The Maven. Hear what they have to say about Miller.)
When Smith heard what the Carolina bankers will be giving Miller, Neil's perfect squelch was better than perfect. "If he's a seven-million dollar defenseman," quipped Smith, "then I'm a ten-million dollar podcaster!"
Morren properly calls the Rangers side of the deal as "addition by subtraction." So I asked for more and I got it with Vic acknowledging K'Andre's offensive talents.
"Miller's judgement on pinches at the offensive blue line is dubious at best," adds Vic, "and he's a defensive liability in terms of using his size to gain positioning in front; as well as reading proper coverages."
Repeat after Me: The Rangers won the deal because they gained a gifted, young D-man in Scott Morrow as well as Carolina's first two picks in the first Draft round next year which promises to be a super-duper Draft.
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You don't need Chris Drury to tell you that defense was his club's Achilles heel in this past disastrous season. The Maven saw it; you saw it and K'Andre Miller made it happen.
"Granted, the Canes had to spend some money," Vic reasons, "but Miller's resume isn't worth a penny over six million."
How generous you are, Mister Morren. I wouldn't have given the guy a ruble over $4 million – unless the game we were playing is called Monopoly!