The New York Rangers were without Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin for Thursday's 5-2 loss against the Buffalo Sabres, but J.T. Miller returned to lineup after being sidelined for the last seven games. While Miller was dressed, and in the lineup, the general sentiment watching him was that he looked like a player competing at half speed. After the game Miller commented on his play, and it essentially confirmed what a lot of people were already thinking.
J.T. Miller admits need to be careful so he doesn't suffer same injury for third time in three months
Miller spoke with the media after the loss, and felt he had some good jump and energy in his first game back. He also admitted that he has to "be careful" so that he doesn't reinjure a shoulder that caused him to miss two games in November, and another seven up until his recent return. It is understandable that Miller wants to be there for his team. He wants to compete and help a team that is well out of the playoff race and already without key players. But the Rangers need J.T. Miller at his best, and unfortunately that's been a theme this season.
#NYR Captain J.T. Miller said he’s been trying to get back as soon as possible.
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) January 9, 2026
“Trying to be smart about it. It’s been the same injury now twice in six weeks or a month. I think it was actually a month to the day apart.”
Referencing the 2 games he missed on Nov. 22 & 24.
Miller's problems started in training camp
The Rangers haven't had the same J.T. Miller who produced at a point per game pace last season, and him playing in a compromised nature has only hurt him and the team. He lunged for a puck toward the end of practice in training camp, and it was the first in a long series of injuries that have plagued him this season.
There's no shame in Miller stepping aside to get ready for Milan
It is pretty obvious that Miller doesn't want to jeopardize playing in the Olympics, hence the need to be careful, but he's not the type of player who is going to sit out until the break so he's good to go. But honestly, that might be better for him and the Rangers. While not mathematically official yet, this is another lost season for the Rangers. The math is simply not in their favor, and if they want to make a real run of it next year, they need Miller healthy.
Rangers at 45 game mark in 2024-25: .522 point percentage
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) January 9, 2026
At the 45 game mark this year: .511
To get to 91 points (WC2 last year), the Rangers would need to play at a .608 point percentage clip. To get to 98 points (current pace of WC2 Buffalo) they'd need .702.
He was named to Team USA, and is going to jump at the opportunity to play. If he's unable to step on the ice and give it his all, there's no harm in sitting out until February. It is in the Rangers' best interest to be as bad as they can possible be, as doing so improves their odds of getting a better draft pick. A better draft pick makes the team better in the long run, whether it be selecting a player or using it as an asset in a larger deal to get a gamebreaker. So while Miller is trying to be a good captain, he's actually doing the opposite right now. He may not want to admit that, but there's still time for him to change course if the losses continue to pile up.