Vancouver Canucks Forward Announces Leave

The Vancouver Canucks have been called a “sleeping giant” in the Western Conference this season. That’s an apt description for the team, largely because of the depth of offensive talent in the organization.

The depth of the Canucks’ forward group faces its most significant test of the season as the organization announced that star center JT Miller is taking a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons. General Manager Patrik Allvin shared the update and some brief words of encouragement for Miller.

“Right now, our only focus is making sure JT knows the whole organization is here to support him,” Allvin said. “Out of respect for JT, we will have no further comment at this time.”

One of the Canucks’ top players over the last few seasons has been Miller. Anchoring their top line, he has been a reliable point producer since joining the Canucks in the 2019-2020 season.

He has recorded 30 or more goals in three of his four campaigns in Vancouver, including a career-best 37 last season. Miller also tied a career high in points in the 2023–2024 season, adding 66 assists to his 37 goals for 103 points. At age 31, the East Palestine, Ohio native has amassed 244 career goals, 411 assists and 655 career points.

Miller is a veteran of 815 NHL games. Originally selected in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers, he would spend the first six seasons of his career on Broadway. In 2017, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but stayed there for only two seasons before being moved to Vancouver.

Without Miller in the lineup, the Canucks will turn to another star center to make up for it. Elias Pettersson has had an uncharacteristic start to his 2024, but the timing is perfect for him to break out of his slump and help the Canucks stay afloat without one of their star players.

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