There are a lot of variables to take into account when analyzing J.T. Miller and how he might perform through the 2024-25 season.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Miller had his best statistical year of his career, as he recorded 37 goals, 66 assists, and 103 points in 81 games for the Vancouver Canucks.
It felt as if Miller would spend the rest of his career with the Canucks, but it didn’t quite work out that way.
A reported feud between Miller and Elias Pettersson spread like rapidfire within the Canucks organization, and a lot of scrutiny surrounded Miller’s name.
The 32-year-old forward took a ten-game leave of absence early on in the 2024-25 season, and even when he returned to the lineup, his numbers took a drastic dip, and all the noise around the team certainly didn’t make matters any better.
Ultimately, Miller was traded to the New York Rangers on Jan. 31 and was forced to then adapt to a totally new system on the fly.
He finished the season with 22 goals, 48 assists, and 70 points in 72 games.
Could we see Miller reach 100 points again or come close to that mark? It’s certainly possible since he’s had some time to adapt to the new environment in New York, and he’ll have a whole training camp now to gel with his teammates.
There are also no distractions or outside noise, so Miller can now just focus on hockey and hockey alone.
With the Rangers, Miller averaged 18:31 minutes per game and served a top-six center role. It’s safe to assume he’ll continue to be a focal point of the Blueshirts’ offense.
He will more than likely slot on the team’s first power play unit, which would help him generate more points, while playing on a line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Will Cuylle is an intriguing scenario for Miller.
Given all of these points, don’t be surprised if Miller surpasses his point total from last season.
-1749941823-q80.webp "New Orleans Saints make notable roster move that may cost a young player his job down the road this year")
