J.T. Miller Returns to Vancouver Canucks Practice After Personal Leave
Vancouver Canucks fans received a boost on Tuesday as J.T. Miller rejoined the team for practice, marking his first appearance since taking a personal leave of absence on Nov. 19.While the top-line centre won’t suit up for the game against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night (10 p.m.ET; TVAS,SNP,FDSNM),he is expected to participate in a full practice session with the team on Wednesday.
“I don’t know about [playing against the Florida Panthers on] Thursday,” said coach Rick Tocchet. ”He’s going to practice with the full team [Wednesday], so we’ll get him with a line and get him cooking and go from there. I’ll talk to him, how he feels but he’s been skating and he’s anxious to get going but on his terms.”
Miller, 31, is in his sixth season with the Canucks and his 13th in the NHL, having previously played for the New york Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning. This season, he has already contributed 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 17 games, tying him for sixth in team scoring.Prior to his leave, he was second on the team in points.
“It’s nice just to have him around,back in the room,” said forward Conor garland. “He looked good out there, so not much rust. He looked fast,looked energized,kind of like almost when you come back from break a little bit. So, we’re excited just to just have him back in the fold.”
Last season, Miller had a career year with the Canucks, leading the team in goals (37), points (103), and power-play points (40). His plus-32 rating was also a career high. his return to the lineup could provide a significant boost to the Canucks as they look to climb the standings in the competitive NHL.
— Kevin Woodley
Stay tuned for updates on Miller’s potential return to game action as the Canucks continue their push toward the playoffs.
Ard the playoffs.
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**Summary:**
J.T. Miller returned to practice with the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday after taking a personal leave of absence as November 19. Although he will not play in the game against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night, he is expected to participate in a full practice session with the team on Wednesday. Coach Rick Tocchet mentioned that Miller’s potential return to game action,such as playing against the Florida Panthers on thursday,will depend on how he feels adn his readiness.
Miller,31,is in his sixth season with the Canucks and his 13th in the NHL,having previously played for the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning. This season, he has contributed 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 17 games, tying him for sixth in team scoring. Last season, Miller had a career year with the Canucks, leading the team in goals (37), points (103), and power-play points (40), with a career-high plus-32 rating.
Teammates, including forward Conor Garland, expressed excitement about Miller’s return, noting that he looked fast and energized during practice. Miller’s return could provide a significant boost to the Canucks as they aim to improve their standing in the competitive NHL.
**Key Points:**
– J.T. Miller returned to practice with the Vancouver Canucks after a personal leave.
– He will not play against the St. Louis Blues but is expected to practice fully on Wednesday.
– Miller’s potential return to game action will depend on his readiness and how he feels.
– This season, Miller has 16 points in 17 games, tying him for sixth in team scoring.
– Last season, Miller had a career year with the Canucks, leading in goals, points, and power-play points.
– Teammates are excited about his return, which could boost the team’s performance.