The Buds are finally starting to boast a legitimate cupboard of young prospects. Though they are years removed from the post season, many would concede they are likely a first line center away from that first goal, though steady goaltending for once would help. The emergence as James Reimer may have solved one of their ailments, but for the time being, no one on the roster looks to be ready to feed Phil Kessel pucks next season. The likes of Joe Colborne, Nazem Kadri, and Greg McKegg highlight some good strength down the middle that should be bursting onto the scene in the next few years, with Jake Gardiner and Jesse Blacker ready to augment an already young defensive core that boasts Luke Schenn, Keith Aulie and Dion Phaneuf. Things aren't looking as bad in Ontario as they did a year ago, and Brian Burke should be given credit for writing his wrongs.
With no real glaring weakness amongst their cupboard, Brian Burke, along with his staff approach the podium.
"With the twenty-fifth pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Toronto is proud to select, from the U.S. National Development Program - J.T. Miller."
Big things were expected of the Ohio native, coming into his second season with the Ann Arbor program. Though he never seemed to meet the high expectations until the recent Under 18 Tournament in Germany, scouts still like what they see in the physical tools that Miller brings to the table. It's just on him to bring them all together.
At 6'1, 198 lbs, Miller has an enviable frame for a playmaking pivot. While some weight could be added, he'll have plenty of time when he reports to the University of North Dakota next season, the same school that produced Jonathan Toews, Travis Zajac, Zach Parise and T.J. Oshie. He was also drafted by the Plymouth Whalers and has some options for next season. Physically, though, he boasts a very athletic body.
When Miller is on the ice, his skating really separates him from the pack. His first few strides are really quick, with high end acceleration and agility. When he gets moving, you'll notice. There were times during the Under 18 Tournament where he completely blew past everyone and created scoring chances on his skating alone. He has a long stride and really uses it when he gets into open ice.
Miller also possesses soft hands and a very good shot. He has the ability to distribute the puck with tape-to-tape passes, and can open up lanes with his elusive skating. When the options aren't there for the pass, Miller has a heavy and accurate shot. He has that instinct to score when the option is there, when others could overpass.
His size brings the ability to drive the net, and will do so when the time calls for it.
As with every prospect who sounds as good as I've described above, there are always question marks. With Miller, the physical package is there. He's an offensive player who really didn't produce as much as you'd hope in the USHL, though began to show those offensive skills in the Under 18's. Some question his day-to-day consistency, and whether or not he has the hockey sense to be a big point producer in the NHL. Whatever the case, Miller is something of a project, who could use some coaching to pull all of the tools into a complete package.
He'll have some time, whether to North Dakota or Plymouth next year, but with Colborne/Kadri/Grabovski/Bozak all active right now, Toronto can wait and be a bit more patient with Miller, should they grab him. If they don't get a point producing center, they know they'll at least have a solid center for the third line.
Taken Previously...
1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
2. Gabriel Landeskog
3. Jonathan Huberdeau
4. Dougie Hamilton
5. Adam Larsson
6. Sean Couturier
7. Ryan Strome
8. Ryan Murphy
9. Duncan Siemens
10. Mark McNeill
11. Nathan Beaulieu
12. Jamie Oleksiak
13. Mika Zibanejad
14. Joel Armia
15. Mark Scheifele
16. Matt Puempel
17. Brandon Saad
18. Sven Bartschi
19. Joe Morrow
20. Zack Phillips
21. Tyler Biggs
22. Niklas Jensen
23. Ty Rattie
24. Jonas Brodin
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