Miller said, "I've had a lot of talks with himhe reminds me of me, young & sent down [to the AHL], having to learn how to play the right way in the NHL..."
Miller, who began his career with the Rangers in the 2012-13 season, had three seasons where he was sent down before he became a regular with the Rangers. Miller's first entire NHL season came in 2015-16, scoring 43 points in 82 games. The games he played in the AHL were necessary for his development, which is his message to Podkolzin.
Vasili Podkolzin was sent down to the AHL last season. While it is not ideal to have him down in the minors again, looking at Miller, it could be a positive for Podkolzin. Development is never linear, and every player develops differently. It is up to the Canucks to decide how they create the 22-year-old.
He's still so young.a mature player for his agehe looks great again... I'm excited to see him again this year."