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NHL Free Agency: J.T. Miller signs two-year deal with New York Rangers

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 4, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers center J.T. Miller (10) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Rangers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers center J.T. Miller (10) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Rangers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Restricted free agent forward J.T. Miller has agreed to a two-year deal with the New York Rangers worth $5.25 million with a $2.625 annual cap hit.

The New York Rangers entered this offseason with several important restricted free agents to re-sign. Arguably the most important was forward J.T. Miller, who last season nearly doubled his previous career high in points with 43 and scored a career-high 22 goals. The Rangers have now agreed to terms with Miller. It is a two-year deal worth $5.25 million. Miller will have an annual cap hit of $2.625 million.

This is an excellent bargain for the Rangers. It doesn’t solve the issue of keeping Miller around long-term, but it does give them a little bit of cap flexibility for the next two seasons as the Rangers hope to add pieces to their team for one last Stanley Cup run. Miller will likely demand a huge deal after this one after taking two short-term and cheap deals in the past two summers. The Rangers can cross the long-term contract bridge when they come to it.

Miller finished fifth on the Rangers last season with 43 points. His 22 goals were tied for third on the team. Miller added three assists in five playoff games last season and has 13 career playoff points in 28 playoff games. His 20 even strength goals led the team. With more power play time and with a likely increased role, a 30 goal season isn’t out of the question for Miller.

The Rangers are going to have to pay Miller eventually if they want to keep him long-term. They are taking a significant risk that Miller continues to improve and eventually demands a huge deal. But for now, it’s fine.

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