arsmaster*
Guest
I really dont buy the Ryan Kesler comparison, but who would have thought Ryan Kesler would be having the career he has when he got drafted. Kesler was a more defensive minded player that had a tremendous understanding of the game, but the rest of his offensive skills were lacking.
As for Miller, I cant really make the claim that he can be the next Kesler. I like J.T, and what he brings to the table, but he doesnt wow you in any one area. Maybe that is Kesler like, but Miller has a ways to go before we compare the two.
Miller has solid size and soft hands, the kid is no slouch offensively. I can honestly see a Drew Stafford type player in him if anything. Has the size, uses it at times, but always leaves you wanting so much more. Everytime I see Stafford, I see the talent, but never the production. Though he looks to be turning the page a bit of late.
Miller should be a first round pick, but that all depends on what teams think he can one day turn into offensively...same thing happened with Kesler, Vancouver believed in him, and it has paid off.
Cheers.
I dont like the "leaves you wanting more statement", but that is usually the case with 18 year old kids.
I do however believe Kesler was drafted as a 2-way pivot with pretty good offensive skills though, it has just taken him time and work to get the offensive numbers. I always thought he would top out areound 30 goals (as a Canuck fan, I am pretty stoked at his development).
Kesler is a guy who works hard in the offseason, not just on his body, but also on his skills (see the ever improving wrister and more moves in the shootout than just the ol' leg-kick back hand).
Its for that reason I like Mark Mcneil, it seems he may have the capacity to put up good numbers in the NHL, and its his work ethic and desire to get better everyday (as I have read) that makes you feel he may have some Kesler/Richards like qualities to his game going forward.
I would love to see the Canucks land a player like Kesler, be it McNeil, JT Miller or any other hard working 2-way forward with decent size and speed. Im hoping Miller would be more of a Kesler than a Stafford though.