A major update on JT Miller's future from Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal
All the best to Miller and his family.
According to a report from Vancouver Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal, Canucks forward JT Miller has returned to the ice and is preparing to return to the team from his self-imposed personal leave.
Dhaliwal goes on to say that Miller could join the team for the Canucks' home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets tomorrow evening.
Stay tuned for a report from Dhaliwal after the team's practice later today.
For our earlier report on Miller and the situation between him and the Canucks, read our earlier report published by Hockey Feed staff writer Chris Gosselin.
Last month, the Vancouver Canucks announced that veteran forward J.T. Miller would be away from the team on an indefinite leave of absence due to personal reasons. The team did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding Miller’s absence, but it did not take long for rumours to emerge and speculate on why the forward was taking time away from the team. There were terrible rumours on his personal life with his wife Natalie, along with trade rumours that emerged as well.
Just recently, there was a report from Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh of The Athletic which stated that the New York Rangers have allegedly attempted to acquire Miller, but that a deal could not come to fruition. Apparently, general manager Chris Drury had asked about Miller’s availability in a possible trade, however, he was reluctant to include Braden Schneider in a deal.
Canucks president Jim Rutherford has had enough and on Wednesday told The Province that while it is human to feed gossip, the team is sick of the salacious rumours at a time when Miller needs support and positivity.
“Don’t start making stuff up on someone in his situation. That’s disrespectful,” Rutherford said. “People that do this for fun, or for a living, just go back to making up trade rumours.”
He also clearly stated that the Canucks are not trading Miller:
“No, we are not (trading him),” Rutherford said flatly. “We stand by him.”
Miller, who has not played since Nov. 19, is believe to be taking time away from the NHL to reset, looking to get himself right. His return remains to be determined.
The veteran forward has posted six goals and 16 points in 17 games this season and will return to action once he decides to do so. In the meantime, the Canucks remain supportive and are not looking to trade him out of Vancouver.
