Hockey fans of any fandom could scarcely escape the noise around the Vancouver Canucks last season. Veteran forward J.T. Miller was at the heart of off-ice drama, which was one of many storylines surrounding Vancouver in 2024-25. The drama around Miller, however, led him to be traded to the New York Rangers in January.
Miller received a ton of criticism from the media and fans alike in Vancouver. And he certainly doesn’t agree with how he was portrayed during the end of his tenure with the Canucks. In the current moment, though, none of it matters.
The American forward is back with the Rangers, who drafted him in the 2011 NHL Draft. He is also assuming a major leadership role. New York recently named Miller its captain.
There are critics of this decision from the Rangers. However, one former captain believes the former first-round pick has all the tools needed to lead New York on and off the ice. And it all comes down to what he brings to the ice, as well as what he demands from those around him.
“He finishes his checks, he blocks shots. He does all those little aspects of the game and he competes at a very high level. If you’re doing that you have the right to demand it of your teammates,” former Rangers star Ryan Callahan said, via NHL.com.
“If there are points throughout the year where he does have to challenge guys or say some things in the room that are uncomfortable, which captains have to do, I don’t think he’s going to have a hard time doing that, which is great for him and the Rangers.”
J.T. Miller Represents New York Hockey
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesJ.T. Miller is hoping to use past experience to guide him as captain of the New York Rangers.
It’s certainly no secret that Miller is a very emotional player on the ice. He expresses himself, and he’s not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. Beyond this, he is also one of the hardest working players in the NHL.
As Callahan said, Miller is involved in all facets of the game. He does the little things that don’t show up on the statsheet. His style of play is what New York is trying to instill in its entire roster. To that end, there is no better choice for captain of the Blueshirts.
“He represents in so many ways what we hope Rangers hockey is going to look like with the way he plays the game,” coach Mike Sullivan said early in training camp, via NHL.com. “He’s a fierce competitor.”
Prideful Miller Hoping To Be What Rangers Need
The issues Miller had with Vancouver are well stated. And those issues are going to make the games against the Canucks must-see hockey for neutral fans. However, New York’s captain is not trying to dwell on any of it.
Miller is with the Rangers now. He is the leader of a team that has not won the Stanley Cup since 1994. And he is leading a team that suffered an immensely disappointing season in 2024-25. His focus is on trying to be the sort of captain his teammates can rally around.
“I take an insane amount of pride in what’s going on right now. I never thought this would have happened years ago. Obviously, nobody would have. I know there are going to be moments that are going to stink, but it’s nothing new. I take it as a challenge. I’m excited to see how I face it now because I feel more confident,” Miller said, via NHL.com.
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