Canucks Star Forward JT Miller Leaves Team Indefinitely For Personal Reasons

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Liam McCormick
November 19, 2024 (11:40)

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Moments ago, the Vancouver Canucks released a statement explaining that star forward JT Miller will be leaving the team indefinitely for personal reasons.

General Manager Patrik Allvin attached a brief staremnt, stressing that the team is solely focused on helping Miller at this time, and will not provide additional details out of respect for his privacy.

» Right now, our sole focus is making sure that J.T. knows the entire organization is here to support him. Out of respect to JT, we will have no further comment at this time.»
- Canucks GM Patrik Allvin

When a player leaves a team for personal reasons, it's never a positive situation. There's no reason to speculate on the reason behind a personal leave, but fans are extending their best wishes to the health of Miller and his family.

Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal has reported this absence is about giving Miller a mental reset.

According to reporters at Canucks practice today, the team was in a solemn mood and practicing unusually quietly - clearly worried about their teammate.

The 31 year old centreman has been consistently producing so far this season, just like he has every year in his career. Through the first 17 games, Miller has an impressive 6 goals and 16 points.

As the Canucks first line centreman, locker room leader, and offensive producer, the team will be significantly worse off without Miller in the lineup. In response to Miller's absence, the Canucks have recalled forward Arshdeep Bains.

With Miller out, the spotlight will be directly on Elias Pettersson, who has struggled to begin this season. There's been speculation Pettersson is playing through some kind of injury, given that his 5 on 5 scoring has fallen off a cliff in the last two years.

Pettersson should be able to take over the mantle of first line centreman and offensive leader in Miller's temporary absence - he'll need to prove his worth on his $11M contract.

For now though, all hockey fans will be wishing the best for JT Miller and his family in whatever event has pulled him away from the team.