Is anyone else somewhat skeptical of Miller?

I know the kid is talented and he has always put up good numbers in the AHL, but up until this year he was pretty hot and cold on whether he would ever be much in the NHL beyond a good energy bottom 6 guy who occasionally chips in goals here or there.

I know he had a big jump in performance/production this year, but I dont think its any coincidence its coming in a contract year, and every team has been burned countless times over the years on guys who are playing for the next contract then settle in. If Gorton can bridge him then sure some of the risk is mitigated, but what if he tries to lock him in long term? Also, even with a bridge, whats the rate looking like? $3+ per?
- hawkeytalkman

1st year he really got a chance. I would definitely keep Miller.

1st year he really got a chance. I would definitely keep Miller.
- mdw7413

No question, Miller's first shot at being an NHL regular and he was their most consistent forward for a good two month stretch.

He's a keeper.

I have to make an observation that has really bothered me to the fullest all season. Last night I saw it during a critical powerplay which could have put them back in the game...

What is it? Odd line times for line changes. I recall one game which they changed while the other team was rushing up the ice in OT. With only one guy back, the puck was in the net and game over. Last night, I saw a line change during the powerplay where four guys changed while the last Ranger on the ice dumped the puck into the Pens zone. Who the blue fvck does that? Are you hoping the fans can willfully keep the puck in the zone until the whole team changes lines? i don't get it. Surely I am not the only one who sees this. I don't get it
- mames11

That in my opinion is all factored in with the compete level. In game two they didn't let Pitt come out of their own zone at times. Guys were all over their defense throwing hits and keepin the puck in. Nobody has went in after the chip in and actually fought for the puck at all. Even like you said. You have a pp what are you doing dumping it in killing your own clock for? Absolutely disastrous

That in my opinion is all factored in with the compete level. In game two they didn't let Pitt come out of their own zone at times. Guys were all over their defense throwing hits and keepin the puck in. Nobody has went in after the chip in and actually fought for the puck at all. Even like you said. You have a pp what are you doing dumping it in killing your own clock for? Absolutely disastrous
- Anthony5967

There wasn't any compete level of any kind.

Pretty easy to figure it out.

Sure Zuke should be one of the first to go
You guys must have the shortest memories ever.
You don't remember what this guy went through when Torts was here... - not to mention what happened last playoffs.
Zuke should've been signed for 2.75 - 3.25M per 5-6 years, but like 'always' NYR brass played the waiting game. 6 months later they was happy with a 4.5M per deal...
My fellow Norwegian is the f'n heart and soul of this f'n team. You expected him to be all out every f'n game this year? Guy still can't talk properly for (frank)s sake
Trade his a$$! Great idea!

1st year he really got a chance. I would definitely keep Miller.
- mdw7413

Oh I am not at all saying he isnt worth keeping, I am purely just talking from an upcoming contract/long term situation as a pending RFA

Sure Zuke should be one of the first to go
You guys must have the shortest memories ever.
You don't remember what this guy went through when Torts was here... - not to mention what happened last playoffs.
Zuke should've been signed for 2.75 - 3.25M per 5-6 years, but like 'always' NYR brass played the waiting game. 6 months later they was happy with a 4.5M per deal...
My fellow Norwegian is the f'n heart and soul of this f'n team. You expected him to be all out every f'n game this year? Guy still can't talk properly for (frank)s sake
Trade his a$$! Great idea!
- 21peter

That is 100% not even a realistic option and never was.

The contract he already is signed to is a bargain

That is 100% not even a realistic option and never was.

The contract he already is signed to is a bargain
- hawkeytalkman

I'm telling you that was a realistic option!

Sure Zuke should be one of the first to go
You guys must have the shortest memories ever.
You don't remember what this guy went through when Torts was here... - not to mention what happened last playoffs.
Zuke should've been signed for 2.75 - 3.25M per 5-6 years, but like 'always' NYR brass played the waiting game. 6 months later they was happy with a 4.5M per deal...
My fellow Norwegian is the f'n heart and soul of this f'n team. You expected him to be all out every f'n game this year? Guy still can't talk properly for (frank)s sake
Trade his a$$! Great idea!
- 21peter

I'd really really really be shocked if they traded Zucc, I really don't think his named being thrown around on hockeybuzz should cause you any worry

Oh I am not at all saying he isnt worth keeping, I am purely just talking from an upcoming contract/long term situation as a pending RFA
- hawkeytalkman

Oh, got it..

I'm telling you that was a realistic option!
- 21peter

What seemed like the realistic option was once he went to the KHL that he'd never wearing this uniform again. I don't see him going anywhere. I mentioned him earlier as a player I believe the organization believes is safe. 4.5 is a bargain and he's their best forward aside from Brass. Those two are fine. Could you imagine if these two ever played with a Kane or Stamkos?

I'd really really really be shocked if they traded Zucc, I really don't think his named being thrown around on hockeybuzz should cause you any worry
- jimbro83

Yeah, Zucc aint going anywhere. Norwegian Pete needs to go ransack a country and steal their women. Then he will calm down.

AV is losing me quick...

What seemed like the realistic option was once he went to the KHL that he'd never wearing this uniform again. I don't see him going anywhere. I mentioned him earlier as a player I believe the organization believes is safe. 4.5 is a bargain and he's their best forward aside from Brass. Those two are fine. Could you imagine if these two ever played with a Kane or Stamkos?
- Anthony5967

Zucc needs two shoot first guys on his line. He is a winger who plays like a center. Lindberg is a shoot 1st center. I would try a Miller/Lindberg/Zucc. Or Nash/Lindberg/Zucc.

You have that little matter of Marc-Andre Fleury's three years at $5.75 mil remaining to resolve as well. Pricey for a backup.
- airjan23

Murray is a top top prospect who's AHL success (Player of the year last season) has translated to the NHL. MAF is Middle of the road in terms of salary for a starting goaltender in the league, top 10 goaltender statistically the last two seasons and 31 years old... There are at least 5-8 teams that need goaltending upgrade. Should the Pens make MAF available this summer they will find a taker. Pittsburgh has a good problem!

Is anyone else somewhat skeptical of Miller?

I know the kid is talented and he has always put up good numbers in the AHL, but up until this year he was pretty hot and cold on whether he would ever be much in the NHL beyond a good energy bottom 6 guy who occasionally chips in goals here or there.

I know he had a big jump in performance/production this year, but I dont think its any coincidence its coming in a contract year, and every team has been burned countless times over the years on guys who are playing for the next contract then settle in. If Gorton can bridge him then sure some of the risk is mitigated, but what if he tries to lock him in long term? Also, even with a bridge, whats the rate looking like? $3+ per?
- hawkeytalkman

I'm not, not at all. He was jerked around by AV, like he does with all young players. When he finally got settled and wasn't sent down on a random basis or benched he spent time with the bottom 6 for a bit, then his play elevated him onto the top 6 and he played very well. I see him as a callahan type with more offensive upside, he plays hard, can throw the body, is a pain to play against and his heart is in the game. Next year he should get some good burn on the top 6 and I think he will crack 25 goals.
I'd like him locked up long term, no bridge because I think in two years he will cost a LOT more.

What seemed like the realistic option was once he went to the KHL that he'd never wearing this uniform again. I don't see him going anywhere. I mentioned him earlier as a player I believe the organization believes is safe. 4.5 is a bargain and he's their best forward aside from Brass. Those two are fine. Could you imagine if these two ever played with a Kane or Stamkos?
- Anthony5967

Sure 4.5 is sound. Just telling you he should've been signed a lot cheaper half a year earlier. He wanted a long term deal. Word was he would've signed a 6 years 3M per deal, but the Rangers brass wasn't interested...
Zuke together with an elite goal scorer

Yeah, Zucc aint going anywhere. Norwegian Pete needs to go ransack a country and steal their women. Then he will calm down.
- mdw7413

That's about it bro

Nash can still be a dynamic regular season player. He's not completely washed up. There not a cup contender for 3-4 years anyway I don't see what he would have against him. They need to be marketable and Candadian people love Candadian players, especially hometown guys. The return for Nash is almost irrelevant (needs to be worth something obviously) it's about getting new blood in here and out with the old blood. First up in that is Boyle, then I think it's Nash
- Slimtj100

Hate to bring this up, Slim, but if the NYR want to get rid of Nash, why the hell would the TML want him?... what a joke you are... trying to pawn off your crap, usually other teams pawn off their garbage to NYR... Nash blows... Im certain, NYR has no one of interest for Babcock/Lamoriello.

Sure 4.5 is sound. Just telling you he should've been signed a lot cheaper half a year earlier. He wanted a long term deal. Word was he would've signed a 6 years 3M per deal, but the Rangers brass wasn't interested...
Zuke together with an elite goal scorer
- 21peter

Sather waits to sign them until they need top dollar. McDonagh was signed to a steal of a deal though. He did get that whole trade right haha. Somebody had to have forced him to make that deal . If Brass and Zucc ever played with a premier Jamie Benn type that line would be insane.

AV is losing me quick...
- mrn22

You KNOW he is going to dress Boyle on Sat ahead of McIlrath or Diaz and I just don't get it. He isn't coming back next year!!!! move on
Its like when they put Jokinen out in the shootout vs the Flyers to get into the playoffs.. HE was leaving the team anyway, put someone out there that has more of a vested interest in scoring and getting into the playoffs. Jokinen didnt give a crap after he missed, he was on the phone with his agent in the locker room talking about where he could get the most money the next year.

That's about it bro
- 21peter

You KNOW he is going to dress Boyle on Sat ahead of McIlrath or Diaz and I just don't get it. He isn't coming back next year!!!! move on
Its like when they put Jokinen out in the shootout vs the Flyers to get into the playoffs.. HE was leaving the team anyway, put someone out there that has more of a vested interest in scoring and getting into the playoffs. Jokinen didnt give a crap after he missed, he was on the phone with his agent in the locker room talking about where he could get the most money the next year.
- MiloslavHorava

Boyle was done when San Jose let him walk. AV is a stubborn fool. For two years I was an AV guy. Last year towards the playoffs he started to lose me. Continued to throw a Boyle-MSL pp point out there and it cost them big time. Turning point of that series was allowing Johnson to score short handed on a 5 on 3. This year he jerked around so many young guys for 40 year old dan Boyle and Tanner Glass. What a shame.

Sather waits to sign them until they need top dollar. McDonagh was signed to a steal of a deal though. He did get that whole trade right haha. Somebody had to have forced him to make that deal . If Brass and Zucc ever played with a premier Jamie Benn type that line would be insane.
- Anthony5967

Just like with Stepan. A few months earlier he probably would've signed a 5-5.5M per deal.

I know jimbo won't agree, but I'm still pi$$ed Henrik didn't sign for 2 years less @ 7.5 per. Just like I said back then; G and MStaal took 500k too much for 2 years too long.