It's early, but K'Andre Miller's play on the New York Rangers blue line has been one of the season's most pleasant surprises.

Plainly put: Miller looks like a future top-pairing defender. He’s already leading the Rangers in 5-on-5 TOI/GP, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Yes, we’re not even a month into the season. A lot can and likely will change with time. But this is the most skilled hockey Miller’s played since his draft-year. Generally, when players advance up the ranks, their skills relative to their peers decrease. Miller’s seem to be holding steady, if not improving in some respects.

Despite Miller’s meagre half-a-point per game last season, it’s not that surprising that he looks good in the NHL. Wisconsin’s stretch-the-ice, north-south style with little time for slowing the game or e