As part of the build-up to the first-round playoff series between the Capitals and the Rangers, Japers’ Rink will be looking at some of New York’s important but perhaps lesser-known players…
K’Andre Miller
#79 | Defenseman
Height: 6’5” | Weight: 210 | Born: January 21, 2000
Birthplace: St. Paul, Minnesota | Acquired: Drafted by the Rangers in 2018 in the first round, 22nd overall
Scouting Report (via CapFriendly):
- Big, strong, ‘2-way D’ who is being used in all situations with NYR.
- Strong skater. Game management has evolved. More reliable and consistent with his reads and play making.
- Gaps up to take away time and space with his long reach and large frame.
- Has the legs to lead a rush occasionally. Can also join as an extra layer.
- Provides better than secondary offense overall.
Why You Should Know Who He Is: Miller is part of the Rangers’ young, mobile defense trio, along with Adam Fox and Braden Schneider, and a key piece of the defense overall, skating just over 21 minutes a night for the Blueshirts. He’s a big body but also has decent speed, excelling at zone exits and providing a decent amount of offense along the way. His numbers did take a slight dip in 2023-24 from his career season last year, but he still put up a perfectly respectable 30-point campaign (including a three-point night against the Capitals back in late December).
How the Caps Can Stop Him: Miller is still very young – just 24 years old – and can be prone to mistakes. On this kind of stage, with this much scrutiny already on not just Miller but his entire team, the Caps would do well to pressure him as much as possible. Try to force turnovers and take advantage of the Rangers’ propensity to cede odd-man rushes.