The New York Rangers' struggles have sparked debate, with veteran beat writer Colin Stephenson attributing their woes to J.T. Miller's disappointing season. The team's acquisition of Miller, a skilled and tough player, was meant to shake up their core and bring a winning mentality. However, his on-ice performance has been underwhelming, with 28 points in 40 games, far from the 100-point season he delivered with the Canucks. This has led to a cascade of issues, with the Rangers averaging just 2.65 goals-for per game and sitting 27th in the NHL.
Stephenson highlights Miller's health issues as a significant factor in his struggles, with the player missing nine games due to injury. The writer also questions the team's strategy, suggesting that Miller was supposed to be the centerpiece of the team, a top-line center who would elevate their play. With the Rangers now looking to trade Artemi Panarin and potentially others, the team's future remains uncertain, leaving fans to wonder what could have been if Miller had lived up to expectations.
