The Rangers’ busy off-season continued with the signing of their 2011 first round pick J.T. Miller to a three-year, entry level contract. In recent years the Rangers have been relatively quick to lock up their first round picks, but Miller’s signing just over a month after being drafted is quick to say the least.

Recent first round picks and their signing dates:

2010 Dylan McIlrath – 9 months
2009 Chris Kreider – unsigned due to NCAA
2008 Michael Del Zotto – 9 months
2007 Alexei Cherepanov – passed away
2006 Bobby Sanguinetti – 10 months
2005 Marc Staal – 1 month (delayed draft after lockout)

Miller had originally elected to play for North Dakota in the NCAA, but switched to the OHL after being drafted by the Rangers. The Plymouth Whalers announced they’d come to terms with Miller today.

His three year contract will not come into effect until he switches to the professional ranks, something he can do whenever the Rangers deem he’s ready as he was drafted out of the USHL and not out of Canadian Juniors.