Rangers sign former first round pick K'Andre Miller.

The National Hockey League has completely shut down as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, otherwise known simply as the coronavirus, but apparently someone forgot to tell the New York Rangers and Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton.

On Monday the Rangers announced that they had signed 20 year old defenseman K'Andre Miller to an entry level contract, Miller of course was the organization's first round draft selection (22nd overall) at the 2018 NHL Entry draft. Miller of course made a name for himself while playing for the United States National Team but has spent the past two seasons playing for the University of Wisconsin.

Miller appear in 36 total games for the University of Wisconsin this season, picking up 7 goals and adding 11 assists for a combined total of 18 points. and a plus minus rating of -7. His 7 goals tied him for only 11th among defensemen in the NCAA, however when you consider his age that total becomes far more impressive. No defenseman aged 20 years old or younger scored more than Miller in collegiate hockey this season, an impressive feat to be sure. Unfortunately Miller's number this season did show a drop from his previous season with the University of Wisconsin in which he picked up 5 goals and 17 assists for 22 total points and a plus minus rating of +7. Not only were his totals better but he did so in 10 fewer games, appearing in just 26 contests that year.

Miller, a native of Minnesota, has also made several international appearances during his young career and currently has two silver medals under his belt. Miller picked up a silver medal at the 2019 International Ice Hockey Federation's World Junior Championship tournament in 2019 and also earned a silver medal as a youngster at the IIHF's Under 18 World Championship in 2018.Miller has also displayed some leadership qualities earlier on in his career being named alternate captain for the United States and earning himself an "A" at the 2020 World Junior Championship, although that team failed to earn a medal in the tournament. 

A big signing for the Rangers and something of a surprising one given the timing.