"It's really important for me," said Zboril. "This is the year that I should be making the step. I'm really focused in every single practice and really digging in to get a chance and get a hold on to it. We'll see where it takes me…I believe in myself a little more, that I know I can be accountable on the ice.
"And I trust myself. I trust my feet to get to spots and know that I can skate. I'm using that asset. I feel like I can battle more in the corners for pucks. That's the biggest improvement in my game."
Miller, for one, has noticed a significant growth in Zboril's game. The duo has seen time together during previous training camps, but this time around Miller has sensed a maturity in the youngster's attitude and ability.
Zboril, who Providence coach Jay Leach said was his best defenseman down the stretch last season, notched 19 points in 58 games for the P-Bruins in 2019-20.
"Jake's a great player. He sees the ice really well. He skates really well, he makes good plays," said Miller. "I think this is the second or third camp in a row that I've been partnered up with him to start. I think he's made leaps and bounds since the first time he got here to where he is now.
"He's competing, he's ready to go for practice. He's a guy that makes sure he is detail oriented. I think that's something that when he first got here was a little bit different. He's learned and done a great job growing with the game. I've really enjoyed playing with him."
The 23-year-old Czech Republic native credited Miller with serving as a mentor since camp began last week.
"Millsy's really good with the younger players," said Zboril. "He's a heck of a leader. Every time I got a chance to practice with him, before every single drill he would come to me, he would say, 'Hey Z this is the drill, stay focused, let's battle, let's not give them one inch of the ice and let's do our best here.' It was really great working with him."
