New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller gave the team a scare when he left practice with what appeared to be a non-contact injury. The veteran was visibly in discomfort as he went down, clutching the back of his left leg after lunging for a puck during a drill. Though he managed to skate off under his own power, his stride was noticeably slow and cautious.
The Rangers have yet to issue an official statement on Miller’s status, but according to the New York Post, the 32-year-old is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Encouragingly, there’s a chance he could be back on the ice as early as Tuesday if the issue proves minor.
Head coach Mike Sullivan was not present when the incident occurred, as he was with the group preparing for a preseason matchup against the New York Islanders in Elmont, N.Y. His only update to reporters was that Miller was undergoing evaluation and the team would know more soon.
The timing of the injury is particularly unsettling given Miller’s new role. Earlier this month, the Rangers named him their next captain, a position that underscores both his leadership and the franchise’s confidence in his ability to guide a team looking to return to playoff contention. This season marks the start of his second stint with the Rangers, after they reacquired him from the Vancouver Canucks at the trade deadline in January. Miller quickly reestablished himself as an offensive force, tallying 13 goals and 22 assists in 32 games despite the team falling short of the postseason.
Miller’s career numbers reflect his consistency and impact: 260 goals and 449 assists across 871 games with the Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Canucks. For the organization and its fans, his health is vital both for what he brings on the ice as a top-line playmaker and off the ice as the team’s newly appointed captain. While the early outlook suggests this may not be a long-term setback, the Rangers will be holding their breath until Miller is fully cleared to return.