Monday: The Rangers have officially announced the three-year contract for Miller.
Friday: K’Andre Miller has decided to turn pro. CapFriendly reports (Twitter link) that the Rangers have inked the defenseman to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal breaks down as follows.
2020-21: $925K salary, $300K in potential bonuses
2021-22: $925K salary, $350K in potential bonuses
2022-23: $925K salary, $400K in potential bonuses
The salary in each season includes the maximum $92.5K signing bonus while all of the potential bonuses are Schedule A ones.
Miller was drafted by New York in the first round of the 2018 draft, selecting him 22nd overall out of the US National Team Development Program. While he wasn’t necessarily a key offensive player in his draft year, that changed when he went to Wisconsin where he put up 22 points in 26 games in his freshman year. Although those numbers dipped this season on a Badgers team that underachieved considerably, he still managed 18 points in 36 games while making his second straight appearance for Team USA at the World Juniors.
It’s notable that the contract starts next season which means that Miller will not be eligible to suit up for the Rangers if and when the regular season resumes following the current pause on the schedule. However, he would be eligible to sign an ATO with AHL Hartford and play for them down the stretch depending on what happens in that league.
The left side of New York’s back end is wide open following the trade of Brady Skjei to Carolina last month. Marc Staal and Brendan Smith (speculative buyout candidates for the last couple of years) plus Ryan Lindgren are the only lefties on the roster with other unproven youngsters like Libor Hajek and Yegor Rykov hoping to be in the mix. Miller could certainly play his way into roster consideration for next season depending on what activity the Rangers have on the trade and free agent markets this summer.
Maybe link what Schedule A bonuses are? Not many know.