Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller, who is currently tied for the team lead with six goals, has decided to take an indefinite leave for personal reasons, as announced by the team on Tuesday. The Canucks did not disclose any further details regarding Miller’s absence, but general manager Patrik Allvin emphasized that the organization is fully committed to supporting him during this time.
In the Canucks’ recent game against the Nashville Predators, which ended in a 5-3 loss, Miller notably had zero shots on goal and played a season-low 11:49 minutes, despite averaging 18:24 minutes per game this season. He was also benched for a significant portion of the third period, prompting questions about his reduced ice time.
When asked about the decision to limit Miller’s minutes in the final period, Canucks coach Rick Tocchet explained that he wanted to give opportunities to other players who he believed could help the team make a comeback. Tocchet denied that Miller was dealing with any injury that could have impacted his performance during the game.
Prior to his leave, Miller had been on a three-game points streak that was broken by the loss to the Predators. His contributions on the ice have been significant, with six goals and 16 points so far this season, placing him second in team scoring behind captain Quinn Hughes.
Last season, Miller had an outstanding performance, scoring a career-high 32 goals and 103 points, which played a crucial role in the Canucks’ success. The team had a remarkable season, finishing with 109 points and reaching the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers, who went on to become the Stanley Cup runners-up.
As of Tuesday, the Canucks hold a record of 9-5-3 and are currently third in the Pacific Division, trailing the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights by three points. Despite Miller’s absence, the team will need to regroup and rely on other players to maintain their competitive edge as they continue their season. The Canucks will undoubtedly miss Miller’s offensive contributions and leadership on the ice, but the organization is committed to supporting him during this challenging time.