The NHL season has hit the Christmas break. But for one New York Rangers star, the pause could be a prelude to an even bigger event.
Rosters for the 2026 Olympic Games are due on December 31. While most nations won’t really have many surprises, the two behemoths, the United States and Canada, still ooze anticipation.
Judging from last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, Rangers captain J.T. Miller should be a shoo-in for a roster spot. However, his recent injury has cast some doubt on his availability for the tourney in Milano-Cortina.
According to insider Frank Seravalli, that won’t spot the American squad from tapping the Rangers forward.
The Olympic tourney is set to begin in early February. That still gives Miller roughly six weeks to get back into shape. As such, there doesn’t seem to be any concern regarding his health moving forward.
Barring injury issues, there doesn’t seem to be any other reason why Miller wouldn’t get the call. Michael Russo of The Athletic wrote the following regarding the Rangers center:
“And while Miller hasn’t had a great season with the Rangers, it’s likely the Americans will look at his body of work as a reason for him to make the team.”
In short, J.T. Miller is the sort of player Mike Sullivan wants on the ice when the game is on the line. Likely, the American squad is gearing up for an eventual showdown against Team Canada. That’s why having Miller on the ice is so crucial to the United States’ success.
Could Rangers Keep Miller from Playing in Olympics?
One of the major concerns regarding NHLers’ participation in the Olympics is injury. That situation goes both ways. Last season, the Vancouver Canucks kept Quinn Hughes from playing for Team USA due to an injury.
So, that situation begs the question: Could the Rangers keep J.T. Miller from playing in the Olympics? Technically, the Rangers could limit Miller’s participation if he’s not medically clear to play.
But beyond an evident medical reason, the Rangers won’t block Miller from playing in the Olympics. It’s worth noting that the NHLPA fought hard to have NHLers play in the 2026 and 2030 Games. That’s why, barring a significant injury setback, Miller will play if Team USA wants him.
Miller Will Be Looking for Revenge against Canada
There will be numerous big names and great teams on the ice in Milano-Cortina. But the focus will be on the eventual collision course between the United States and Canada. J.T. Miller will be looking to lead the American squad in exacting revenge on their North American counterparts.
Ultimately, the entire tournament will boil down to the looming showdown between the two biggest hockey nations in the world. Miller will look to represent the Rangers, hopefully with Adam Fox, as well, in landing the gold medal for Team USA.
It’s worth pointing out that the 2026 Games will mark 46 years since the remarkable Miracle on Ice. That was the last time the US won a gold medal in Olympic hockey.
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