VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Ahead of the Rangers’ 4-3 win over the Canucks on Tuesday night at Rogers Arena, Vancouver announced that J.T. Miller, a former Blueshirt, would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team for what the organization described as “personal reasons.”
“Right now, our sole focus is making sure J.T. knows the entire organization is here to support him,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in a team statement. “Out of respect to J.T., we will have no further comment at this time.”
Miller ranked second on the Canucks in points at the time the news broke, having racked up six goals and 10 assists for 16 points in 17 games.
J.T. Miller, an ex-Ranger, handles the puck during the Canucks’ win over the Blackhawks on Nov. 16. Bob Frid-Imagn ImagesThe only Canuck with more points was Quinn Hughes with 18.
Last season, Miller led the Canucks with 103 points in the regular season. He finished tied with Brock Boeser for the team points lead in the playoffs with 12, as well.
“It’s indefinite in the sense that we don’t know how long,” Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said Tuesday morning. “Respect the privacy of Millsy. Don’t speculate please. He’s a family member here, we’re going to support him. … Millsy is his worst critic. The guy wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s our ‘eff you,’ he’s a guy who’s an emotional leader. He takes it upon himself to do it every night and it’s hard to do.
“Just like last year, he’s a big part of our team. Since I’ve been here, he’s played great hockey. I’m lucky to have him.”
The Rangers drafted Miller No. 15 overall in 2011. Miller played parts of his first six NHL seasons in New York, collecting 72 goals and 100 assists for 172 points in 341 games.
Miller was traded to Tampa Bay — along with Ryan McDonagh — in exchange for Libor Hajek (now in the Czech Extraliga), Brett Howden (now with the Golden Knights), Vladislav Namestnikov (now with the Jets), a first-round pick in 2018 and a conditional second-rounder in 2019.
J.T. Miller rests during warm up before the Canucks’ blowout loss to the Devils earlier in the season. Bob Frid-Imagn Images“Obviously, a very big hole to fill,” Elias Pettersson said of losing Miller. “We wish him well in his personal matter. We’re here to support him, the whole organization.”
Igor Shesterkin got the starting nod Tuesday night against the Canucks, making 21 saves in the Rangers’ win.
The Rangers had allowed two goals or fewer in all 11 victories this season until their win on Tuesday. Their 11 games allowing two or fewer goals is tied for second in the NHL.
