New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller issues a series of statements on facing his former team, the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday afternoon.
By now it's no secret that Miller's departure from the Vancouver Canucks organization was a little rocky as there was a reported feud between him and his fellow teammate Elias Pettersson.
Along with that Miller took a ten-game leave of absence in November, and when he returned, the drama continued and even got worse at some points.
Ultimately at the end of it all Miller was traded from the Canucks to the Rangers on January 31st, and Miller open admitted he needed the fresh start but there was never any bad feelings with his former teammates.
«No, I don't know how to answer that. It's like a trap,» Miller said of if he's mad at his former teammates. «No, I'm mad at them. We have 12 games left. We have to win a lot of them, so it's only thing I'm worried about.»
Miller then took the time to reflect on his time with the Canucks organization as he was there from 2019-2025, and revealed that he's forever great full for the Vancouver community and fans.
«Nothing but great things. Raised my three kids there, my wife and I have so many friends outside of the game, and you want to love the city,» Miller said. «And what the fans showed for me while I was there is something I'll never forget, so it's a great organization, great place to play hockey, passionate fan base. They treated me with the utmost respect while I was there and nothing but thankful for the opportunity.»
Miller felt that that when he joined the Canucks his career took a massive turn as he quickly became a valuable player and a legitimate top-tier center within the organization.
«Well, they just gave me an opportunity,» Miller said. «When I was here (the Rangers), I was younger, just learning how to play playoff hockey and I wasn't ready yet. Went to Tampa who had tons of superstars, so I was more of a depth player.
«Got an opportunity there (the Canucks). They were a losing team for a number of years, got lucky to play with some really good players there, so feel very lucky and fortunate. Like I said, I'm very grateful.»
«Got an opportunity there (the Canucks). They were a losing team for a number of years, got lucky to play with some really good players there, so feel very lucky and fortunate. Like I said, I'm very grateful.»
Miller then finished off by saying he's expected to have dinner with a few of his best friends from the Canucks tonight, before they face off on Saturday afternoon.
«Some of my best friends are on that team,» Miller reiterated. «We're getting dinner tonight, but once tomorrow comes, it's going to be a war. We all understand that and we would all rather it be that way anyway. It's all business when we get out there. Like I said, they need points too. Need to play well and we need to win the game, so it's going to be a hard-fought game.»
The highly anticipated matchup with be 1:00pm Saturday afternoon.
