J.T. Miller made a noteworthy return to the New York Rangers, scoring two goals on Saturday in a challenging 6-3 defeat against the Boston Bruins, just one day after being traded from the Vancouver Canucks.
The 31-year-old forward was acquired along with two defensemen in exchange for center Filip Chytil, defenseman Victor Mancini, and a conditional draft pick for 2025.
Miller expressed mixed emotions about his swift transition while sitting at his locker, having packed up his Canucks gear. “It’s kind of like a numb feeling. It’s definitely been a long 24 hours,” he reflected, mentioning that he arrived in Boston around 3 a.m.
Miller, drafted by the Rangers in 2011 and later traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018, quickly made an impact in his former team’s lineup. He received a pass from Artemi Panarin in the high slot and executed a powerful one-timer past Boston goaltender Jeremy Swayman, leveling the score at 1-1 in the first period’s middle stretch.
“I’m glad to contribute,” Miller stated regarding his two goals. “I’ve felt a bit cursed this season, especially lately. So seeing the puck find the back of the net was reassuring, and my first game back added a unique significance to it.”
He extended his scoring by netting a power-play goal early in the third period, receiving a feed from Mika Zibanejad in close, which narrowed the Rangers’ deficit to 4-2.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette praised Miller’s capabilities, stating, “He’s a power forward who plays tough and skillfully. He can score and create plays. He brings an edge and versatility that are crucial to our team.”
Entering a team that was positioned sixth in the Metropolitan Division and vying for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, Miller received straightforward pregame guidance from Laviolette after his late arrival from Dallas, where he missed a game due to injury the previous night.
“Just absorb everything,” Laviolette advised Miller. “Focus on playing hard and enjoying yourself, without overthinking. Prioritize playing first and thinking second.”
Miller donned No. 8 during the game, starting on the top line. He previously wore No. 9 in Vancouver, now retired by the Rangers in honor of former player Andy Bathgate, a notable figure from the Original Six era. While he wore No. 10 in his last stint with New York, that number is currently assigned to Panarin.
Zibanejad acknowledged Miller’s strengths, stating, “He brings experience and skill, and we’re thrilled to have him on our side.”
In his second season of a seven-year, $56 million contract, Miller was secured to enhance a Rangers lineup that has faced difficulties since winning the Presidents’ Trophy last year and advancing to the Eastern Conference final.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be back,” Miller remarked. “This has been one of the top teams in the league. I’m eager to aid in getting them back into the playoff mix.”
This season, he achieved nine goals and 26 assists over 40 games with the Canucks.
