Previewing the NHL's upcoming season, the NHL Network issued its annual positional ranking, and J.T. Miller was vastly disrespected.
It's no surprise that Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon are at the top of the list. Quinn Hughes' brother lands the sixth spot, while Elias Pettersson sits at 10. Given his ups and downs in 2023-2024, this only seems fair.
The question is, however, where is J.T. Miller? One of the NHL's most efficient offensively ever since he joined the Canucks, had 103 points in 2023-2024 and wasn't even recognized as one of the best 20 centermen in the league?
Meanwhile, the former Canuck, now Bruins, Elias Lindholm, lands the 20th spot. Lindholm is a competent player and excels in a variety of areas, but he is nowhere near Miller, as we've seen during his time with the Flames and the Canucks. Lindholm managed 108 points over his last two seasons compared to Miller's 185.
It appears that Miller will once again have to prove the detractors wrong. Two hundred eighty-four points over three seasons isn't going to cut it.
Coming off a 103-point season, he'll be looking to build on that and develop an even stronger chemistry with Brock Boeser than they displayed last season. The duo both reached career highs, and many are hopeful they can break those marks again.
POLL | ||
Who would you rather have on your team? | ||
Elias Lindholm | 4 | 1.2 % |
J.T. Miller | 338 | 98 % |
Neither | 3 | 0.9 % |
List of polls |