New York Rangers: Ryan Callahan's Injury Has Impact On J.T. Miller

Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

While the news of New York Rangers captain Ryan Callahan missing the next 3-4 weeks due to a broken thumb that he suffered last game against the Washington Capitals is certainly devastating, it will definitely be interesting to see how Callahan’s injury impacts young and promising forward, J.T. Miller.

Now there is no question Callahan is the heart and soul of the Rangers, other than goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, so I am not saying the Rangers will do well in Callahan’s absence. But if you want to look at the positive, this could be an opportunity for Miller to take off running — or skating actually.

Maybe now we can see Miller moved to the third or possibly the second line and see more ice time in Callahan’s absence. Miller, unlike Chris Kreider, has done nothing to warrant himself from playing more minutes. Miller is a very smart player, and while he still needs to work on his defensive game, he hustles, is a very good stick handler, and his ability to find ways to make plays I believe should be rewarded.

Unfortunately even if Miller is given the opportunity and succeeds, it still may not help the Rangers’ chances to win games because no matter how well Miller plays, he just cannot fill the skates of both Callahan and Rick Nash (who is currently suffering from concussion symptoms) in leadership and skill.

I’m not trying to knock or discourage Miller but instead just telling it like it is. Hey, if he excels he certainly can’t hurt the Rangers’ chances these upcoming weeks.

Steven Carollo is a New York Rangers’ and sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, add him on Facebook, connect with him on LinkedIn and join his Google network.

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