Canucks’ J.T. Miller taking indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons

On Tuesday, Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin announced that forward J.T. Miller is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team for personal reasons.

Allvin released a statement on the matter.

“Right now, our sole focus is making sure that J.T. knows the entire organization is here to support him,” Allvin said. “Out of respect to J.T., we will have no further comment at this time.”

Miller has been a staple in the Canucks’ lineup since he was acquired by the team from the Tampa Bay Lightning in June 2019. He came into the 2024-25 season after a career-best campaign last year, which saw the East Palestine, Ohio native score 37 goals and 66 assists for 103 points. It marked the third consecutive season Miller reached the 30-goal mark and the second time he achieved over 90 points.

The 31-year-old hasn’t quite been scoring at the same pace this year, having potted six goals and 10 assists for 16 points through 17 games, but he is still one of the team’s top scoring threats, currently second on the team in points behind captain Quinn Hughes.

There was a little noise made in the Canucks’ 5-3 loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday night. Miller was benched during the game, which led to him seeing less than 12 minutes of ice time.

In 816 NHL appearances, including over five seasons with the New York Rangers, Miller has scored 244 goals and 411 assists for 655 points. He has also registered 56 points in 91 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

The Canucks (9-5-3) sit tied for third in the Pacific Division with the Calgary Flames, three points back of the first-place Vegas Golden Knights. Vancouver is scheduled to host the Rangers on Tuesday night.