Rangers Forward J.T. Miller Takes Indefinite Leave from Canucks

J.T. Miller, a former New York Rangers forward, will not be playing when the Rangers visit the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday at Rogers Arena. The 31-year-old is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the Canucks for personal reasons.

“Our priority is ensuring J.T. knows the entire organization is here to support him,” Canucks GM Patrik Allvin said in a statement. Patrick Johnston of the *Vancouver Sun* clarified on social media that Miller’s leave is unrelated to substance or alcohol issues.

Miller, currently tied for the team lead with six goals and second in points with 16, was benched for all but two shifts in the third period of Vancouver’s 5-3 loss to the Nashville Predators on Sunday. He logged a season-low 11:49 of ice time in the game.

“I went with the guys who I thought could get us back in the game,” Canucks coach Rick Tocchet explained afterward. “We need some key guys to make key plays for us.”

There have been rumors this season suggesting Miller might be playing through injuries, though those would typically result in a medical leave rather than a personal one.

Miller’s Career Highlights

Drafted 15th overall by the Rangers in 2011, Miller played six seasons with the team, helping them reach the 2014 Stanley Cup Final and win the Presidents’ Trophy in 2014-15. After being traded to the Lightning in 2018 during New York’s rebuild, Miller joined the Canucks in 2019 and has since excelled.

He recorded three consecutive 30-goal seasons leading into 2024-25 and set career highs in 2023-24 with 37 goals and 103 points, ranking ninth in NHL scoring. Over 816 NHL games, Miller has tallied 655 points (244 goals, 411 assists).

Miller is in the third season of a seven-year, $56 million contract with Vancouver.

Upcoming Matchup

The Rangers, aiming for their third consecutive win, will face a Canucks team struggling to close out a six-game homestand with a 2-3-0 record so far.