Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of http://webb.nmu.edu
- Name: T.J. Miller
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-09-15
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Placetia, California
- Acquired: NJ's Fourth Round Draft Pick (107th) in 2006
- Playing In: NCAA
T.J. Miller
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: Jared Ramsden
History
2004-05: After playing midget and bantam hockey in California, Miller ventured to Canada to play in the BCHL. He suited up for the South Surrey Eagles where he played with current Devils prospect Tyler Eckford. He scored three goals and nine assists in 58 games.
2005-06: Miller had an outstanding 05-06' season while playing for this time for the BCHL’s Penticton Vees, a season which saw him notch 16 goals and 32 assists in 60 games. Those numbers, along with his strong overall play netted him the BCHL’s Defenseman of the Year award. He commited to Northern Michigan where he will start his NCAA career next fall and was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL draft by the New Jersey Devils.
2006-07: Miller enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign with Northern Michigan Wildcats that culminated with him being named the recipient of the team’s Don Waddell Award as the Top Freshman. The Placentia, CA native led all Wildcats rookies in scoring with 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) in 37 games. Though he was a mainstay on NMU’s always-tough blueline, he did play at the forward position this season. Miller’s most memorable game came back on Nov. 15 when he had a hand in all four Wildcats goals (one goal, three assists) in the 6-4 loss to Minnesota-Duluth.
DJ Powers contributed to this profile
Talent Analysis
Miller is a versatile, two-way defenseman. At 6’4/210, he is also one of NMU’s biggest players. He is strong on his skates and for a big man gets around the rink remarkably well. He is smart, defensively-responsible and uses his enormous size and long reach to great advantage, particularly along the boards and corners.
Miller can be found joining the play and loves to shoot. He has a cannon-like shot and has little trouble getting pucks to the net. He has very good puck skills and can make some very nice passes. Though he has the frame, he needs to add some size and strength to it. As his development progresses, two of Miller’s weaknesses – his transitioning and adding some foot speed, should also improve.
Future
Miller has a great overall package of skills and while it may take some time, he could eventually develop into a number four/five defenseman with the ability to contribute on the power play.
Stats
| SEASON | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
| 2004-05 | South Surrey Eagles (BCHL) |
53 |
3 |
9 |
12 |
--- | 85 |
| 2005-06 | Penticton Vees (BCHL) |
60 |
16 |
32 | 48 | --- | 73 |
| 2006-07 | U. of Northern Michigan (CCHA) | 37 |
2 |
12 |
14 | -3 | 12 |
Profile Last Updated: March, 13th 2008
HF Quick Navigation
