Rangers’ Mike Sullivan Acknowledges J.T. Miller’s Tough Season
For Mike Sullivan, evaluating J.T. Miller’s season isn’t simple. Just as the Rangers anticipate the best from their captain and former 103-point scorer, injuries have repeatedly sidelined him.
Miller has had two separate stints on injured reserve and also missed two games in November for the same injury that would later put him on IR again. Despite returning to action, he has only tallied 38 points in 53 games heading into Wednesday’s matchup with the Devils—projecting to his lowest full-season point total since 2018-19 for players with at least 60 games.
Sullivan defended Miller, calling the season “difficult” but emphasizing that he remains a cornerstone around which the Rangers—currently retooling after The Letter 2.0—can build their identity.
“I know it’s been hard on him,” Sullivan said after Tuesday’s practice. “He has high expectations for himself and the team, and when those aren’t met, the leaders feel it most.”
Miller hasn’t scored since Jan. 26 and has just two points in five games since returning from the Olympics, where he played a key role on Team USA’s penalty kill in Milan, helping them win gold.
Still, Miller has had opportunities to contribute, with flashes of his old form. For instance, he nearly converted a rebound in Monday’s loss to the Kings, but Darcy Kuemper made the save. Before his December IR stint following a hit from the Flyers, Miller recorded four goals and 10 points in 13 games.
Upon returning from IR, Sullivan immediately put Miller back on the first power-play unit, moving Gabe Perreault to the second unit in a surprising decision.
Even during a down season, Sullivan continues to trust Miller.
“Obviously we rely on him in many areas—especially offense,” Sullivan said. “He puts a lot of pressure on himself because he knows he can help the team. I’ve had many conversations with him this year; he cares deeply about the Rangers and takes his responsibilities as a leader very seriously.”
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