BOSTON — J.T. Miller made an immediate impact in his return to the New York Rangers during their game against the Boston Bruins, netting a goal in the first period just one day after joining the team in a trade from the Vancouver Canucks.

Miller, who is 31 years old, was traded along with two defensemen to the Rangers in exchange for center Filip Chytil, defenseman Victor Mancini, and a conditional draft pick for 2025.

After being originally drafted by the Rangers in 2011, Miller showcased his skills by receiving a pass from Artemi Panarin in the slot and executing a one-timer that beat Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, leveling the score at 1-1 midway through the opening period.

As the Rangers entered the matchup ranked sixth in the Metropolitan Division and competing for a playoff position in the Eastern Conference, Miller was briefed by head coach Peter Laviolette on what to focus on after he flew in from Dallas. He had been a late scratch in Vancouver’s recent 5-3 defeat.

“At the end of it, I just said, ‘Take it all in. You now have a starting point of information but focus on just going out and playing hard and having fun,’” Laviolette commented. “Don’t think too much. Play first, think second.”

Wearing the number 8 jersey and starting on the top line alongside Mika Zibanejad, Miller was described by Laviolette as a power forward capable of playing tough. “He can score goals and make plays. He’s got an edge to his game and plays different positions, so it’s a big piece,” the coach noted.

Miller has previously spent parts of six seasons with the Rangers before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, along with Ryan McDonagh, on February 26, 2018. While he wore No. 9 in Vancouver, that number was retired by the Rangers in honor of Andy Bathgate, a franchise legend from the Original Six era.

Currently in the second year of a seven-year, $56 million contract, Miller’s addition is aimed at strengthening a Rangers lineup that faced challenges this season despite winning the Presidents’ Trophy last year and advancing to the Eastern Conference final.

This season, he has recorded nine goals and 26 assists over 40 games with the Canucks.