J.T. Miller was on the ice on Tuesday for the New York Rangers during an optional skate ahead of this evening's contest against the Calgary Flames, sporting a red non-contact jersey. According to head coach Mike Sullivan, Miller had previously been skating on his own, and joining the group today was a clear sign of progress. Miller, who recently won Olympic gold with Team USA, was placed on injured reserve for the second time this season. He has been playing compromised for most of the year after tweaking his groin in the preseason, and given where things stand, rushing him back would be a significant mistake.
Miller return takes away opportunities from kids
If and when Miller returns, it is a guarantee that he will rejoin the team's top power play unit, which would result in either Alexis Lafrenière or Gabe Perreault getting relegated to the second unit.
Monday's victory over the Flyers saw both Lafrenière and Perreault score with the extra skater, and both have been playing with undeniable confidence. They are currently lined up with Mika Zibanejad at even strength, and it is a unit that has played with significant jump. Miller re-entering the top six would inevitably bump one of those developing forwards down the lineup, potentially stifling the momentum they have worked hard to build.
Miller has been less effective this season
The Rangers' captain has appeared in 51 games this season, recording 14 goals, 24 assists, and 38 points while skating 20:39 a game which represents a significant increase from the 18:31 he totaled last season.
Miller joined the Rangers from the Vancouver Canucks prior to last year's deadline and had an instant impact, posting 13 goals, 22 assists, and 35 points in just 32 games. Injuries have clearly hampered his effectiveness this year, though he was somehow able to string together two weeks of impactful hockey for Team USA.
Given everything that has transpired this season, it would be in the best interest of both the Rangers and Miller to shut him down for the remainder of the schedule. He can focus on fully recovering and positioning himself to have a positive impact next season, while the Rangers can play out the final games to let the younger players show what they can do and build confidence in the process.
It does not sound like that will happen, and with the Rangers having gone 3-1-2 since returning from the Olympics, it is no surprise that Miller is pushing to get back. However, the organization must be the adult in the room and prioritize the future over the final few weeks of a lost season.