Miller, just the fourth defenseman in Rangers history to be named to the All-Rookie Team, also finished third among rookies in points (12) and takeaways (33). He was one of three NHL players this season to register 90-plus hits, 75 blocked shots and 30 takeaways.
Aside from a couple of development camps and last summer's two-week pre-Return to Play training camp, Miller had little to prepare him for what awaited in his first pro season. He spent much of last fall living in Connecticut and training with fellow rookie and eventual roommate Alexis Lafrenière, which helped him form the beginning of a bond that carried through the entirety of an unusual first NHL season in which players were able to do little other than play Xbox together at home due to covid-related restrictions.
Looking back, though, it seems the unusual circumstances helped Miller and his teammates become a true team faster than they would have any other year.
"From the players, from the management, from everybody behind the scenes that doesn't get the recognition that they deserve - they're all pulling in the same direction," he said. "[We're] working for that same end goal: having a successful team and successful seasons to come."
Off-ice, that family mentality worked wonders. On the ice, though, it did the same. It helped put Miller in the position to be recognized as one of the very best in his class.
"That was the biggest thing for me, is just realizing that everyone's pulling on that same rope, and it really put me in a good position this year for my development and learning and developing my game," Miller said.
Now, with less than a week remaining until another draft brings another class of NHL hopefuls into the Rangers family, Miller is left feeling nostalgic. It wasn't too long ago that the was in their shoes, preparing for his life to change, hoping a team would see exactly what he could be not too far down the line.
"That day obviously changed my life tremendously," he said. "That was obviously a day I'll never forget. I have a lot of memories from that day."
Draft Day can be overwhelming. It can be emotional. But looking back, Miller remembers two things: knowing his life was going to change for the better, and experiencing it all with the most important people in his life. That's what he encourages the 2021 draftees to focus on: Virtual or not, enjoy the moment. Let it sink in.
"Obviously there were nerves and everything, but once I was there, it kind of all happened so quick," he said. "That walk up to the stage was something I'll never forget, and to experience that with my family and have them be there - obviously, they've been through my whole journey with me, so being able to experience it with them was everything."
And of course, the fact that he was pulling on a Blueshirt after his name had been called by the commissioner - that, to Miller, remains the best part of it all.
"Being a part of the Rangers organization is a blessing every day," he said. "You can't take it for granted."
