Talent is defined as a special ability that allows someone to do something well
Opportunity is defined as a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.
For a player to be successful, talent can create opportunity if the talent is at such level it can force its way into the picture. Opportunity allows an individual to use his talent by creating the environment that the talent can be expressed and potentially shine. Opportunity without the requisite talent likely will result in a chance and failure to take advantage of that opportunity. Talent without an opportunity could result on someone languishing on the bench or in the minors, but as noted above, if someone has enough talent, they can force their way into the lineup.
In the case of J.T. Miller, I think we all believe he has talent. That talent may not be enough for him to force his way into the lineup, but should be sufficient enough to get him opportunities and keep him in the lineup. Last season, he had opportunities, though it was a not consistent and really did enable him to display his true talent-base. Miller got lots of experience going up and down I-95, as after opening the year with the team, he was sent down and called back up six different times during the season. Even when he was here, he was a bit or sporadically used player, spending more time in the press box or on the bench, rather than on the ice.
This year, he will get a real opportunity to show what he can do. In fact, you can make a salient argument that he is a critical component in helping determine what the Rangers' fate will be in 2014-15. Because of the cap, New York had to jettison Brad Richards, their second/third line center, while also losing Benoit Pouliot and Brian Boyle up front. In their stead, Matthew Lombardi and Lee Stempniak were imported, but there is still a gaping hole as the third-line center or at wing, even if those two fill roles within the bottom-six. The hope/expectation is that Miller will step into and fill the breach created by the departure of Richards. Yes, that does add pressure on Miller, but if he truly believes he belongs at this level, then he must make the most of this chance.
From reading the various comments made by coach Alain Vignuealt at the times Miller, the Rangers' first-round selection (and 15th overall) in the 2011 Entry Draft was sent down, there were questions as to his commitment level and need for him to learn more about being a pro. He did add after the season how important it is to infuse the lineup with young prayers. Similar comments were written by Larry Brooks and said by GM Glen Sather and assistant GM Jeff Gorton after the season, which highlight the spot open for Miller and how it is up to him to show he can fill the role.
Miller hasn’t earned the right to stay in the lineup on a consistent basis and “he needs to show more commitment on the ice and off.… Hopefully Miller will figure things out and if he does the team will have a good player. If he doesn’t figure things out, Vigneault says that Miller will top out as a “good minor league player.…
Vigneualt said (during the playoffs) that Miller is working hard and still going through the process of becoming a good pro.
“You have to,… Vigneault said to Larry Brookswhen asked about the prospect of adding younger players to next year’s mix. “Look at L.A., with those two kids [Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli] and [Jeff] Carter were probably their most effective line. “Hopefully we’re going to have a couple of guys pushing on the door, knocking to get into our dressing room.…
Brooks: The Rangers need him (Miller), with his combination of speed and size, to stake a claim to the third-line center role next season. Miller did not show up in New York last September until the day training camp commenced. Most players returned to skate together at least two weeks before camp opened. His absence did not go unnoticed by his teammates. Next year, it is critical Miller be noticed for other reasons.
Sather: On the fourth line maybe being new, “We expect Miller to come to play this year and he probably would have played in the playoffs if he didn’t have a separated shoulder. He is young, fits into the price range, going to develop into a very good hockey player and he had a lot of growth this year and did well. As far as the other guys, I don’t know where it will go but that is why we have all summer to figure it out.…
Gorton said that Miller can play all three forward positions, has the “size, talent and ability… to play in the NHL and this is a big summer for him. He added: "I think we made it pretty clear to him when he left where he stands and the opportunity in front of him. You only get so many chances. I think J.T. is a pretty proud guy and a confident kid. I think he's encouraged there's a chance for him in the lineup. We're all looking forward to how he comes back, but it's all up to him."
At Hartford last season, Miller showed what he could do, scoring 15 goals and 42 points in 41 games. Due to a variety of circumstances, some of which I noted above, that success did not translate into his stints in the NHL. In 2012-13, Miller scored two goals and two assists with a minus-seven rating in 26 games, seeing 13:31 of ice time nightly. Last year, he had three goals and three assists in 30 games with a minus-six rating in averaging 11:27 of ice time. Now, Miller must take advantage of the chance afforded to him. If Miller shows he can center the third line, it balances out the lineup, enables the top-six to include the big names without the name to try and drop one down to fill the gap in the bottom-six by creating a different hole. In addition, we all know AV loves rolling four lines, so this also would allow Dominic Moore to remain on the fourth line, where he best fits.
Miller has a golden opportunity, His ability to seize and make the most of that chance could be critical to the Rangers' success this year, at least during the regular season. My 20+ offseason questions had as #17: Can JT Miller be a regular on this team next year and in the future? For me, the answer better be yes. Because, while Miller doesn’t have the name as some of the more well-known or bigger players in New York, to me his fulfillment of that chance, could play as big of a role for the team in 2014-15 compared to others that are perceived to have a bigger mandate.