Rangers recall J.T. Miller from Hartford

The New York Rangers have recalled promising young forward J.T. Miller from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League, the club announced Friday.

Miller, 21, has scored six goals and contributed 15 points in 18 games with Hartford this season. He's expected to play Saturday in place of forward Chris Kreider, who will be unavailable this weekend after the death of his grandfather.

The 2011 first-round draft pick has appeared in 59 games with the Rangers over the past three seasons but has struggled to establish himself as an everyday player in the NHL. He's also been the target of public criticism from Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault. 

So this latest call-up could prove a crucial opportunity for Miller, who is playing out the final season of his entry-level contract.