USA Hockey announced today that Rangers first round pick K'Andre Miller will not take part in next weeks USA World Junior showcase due to illness.
Miller will play this season at the University of Wisconsin and could still play for Team USA at the World Juniors this winter.
The Hockey News said of Miller that the main word to describe him is "potential" and one scout said "he has a beautiful, powerful stride, and he's becoming a real stout defender. At the least, he'll be a minute-eater because he's such a great athlete. I love his floor and I love his ceiling."
The Hockey News also called Wisconsin the "perfect place" for Miller to grow as a player.
Gordie Clark compared Miller's style of game to that of Brady Skjei and said that he is an "elite athlete" with top-four potential.
Jeff Gorton has said that the Rangers are comfortable with Miller going to Wisconsin and playing under the coaching staff led by Tony Granato.
Gorton said that ,"his upside is really good and there is a lot of it and we don't really know how far he can push it. It's going to be exciting where he can take it."
Miller described himself as a "hard-nosed guy" that is hard to play against and willing to do "what it take" to get to the next level. (NY Post)
He said that he tries to model his game after Columbus defenseman Seth Jones. (NYR)
Miller was raised by a single mother and said that he she has been a great role model for him, his best friend and he hopes to be able to pay here back for "all that she's done for me." (NY Post)
Clark said of Miller, "he talks about what his mother means to him, single mother. I was coming back from the stage and she was talking to the press and just shaking, it was awesome for him and her. His whole thing is that he wants to play pro hockey but he wants to do it for her."
On his future, Miller said "I'm excited to be a Ranger, but I think developing my game a little bit more before I come is gonna be a necessity. I can't wait for the day that I sign and officially become a Ranger." (NY Post)