J.T. Miller’s status remains unclear as Mike Sullivan waits for update

The New York Rangers are in preseason action tonight against the New York Islanders, but the biggest news, or no news, of the day involves captain J.T. Miller. The Rangers split their groups today with the non game group skating at the team training facility, and the game group heading to Long Island. Miller was part of the non-game group, and left the ice in pain.

At this point in time there is no update according to Sullivan via Peter Baugh of The Athletic.

Any injury to Miller would throw a wrench into the team's plans. The brain trust is in the process of finalizing a roster ahead of next season's opener. If he were to be unavailable, it could mean that Mika Zibanejad would shift back to center, and a spot on the wing would open in the top six. Miller was reacquired by the Blueshirts before last season's trade deadline, and he was very impactful in his second stint. In 31 games he scored 13 goals and added 22 assists for 35 points. When you include his time in Vancouver, Miller tallied 70 points in 72 games.

The Rangers recently named Miller captain, and a big part of their plan this season revolves around him and the energy he brings the team on the ice. He's looked to be an example to follow, and someone who will drag his teammates into the fight and make them better.

This injury just made tonight's game that much more interesting, because it now gives the players who are in the lineup a little something extra to fight for. With a potential spot up for grabs, there is now a little more incentive for some players who were on the outside looking in to go the extra mile to prove themselves. Puck drop for that game is just after 7:00 p.m. tonight from UBS Arena, and stay tuned for a look at the players to keep an eye on.