Canucks leading goal scorer Miller taking leave

Vancouver Canucks forward and leading goal scorer J.T. Miller is taking an indefinite leave for personal reasons, the team announced Tuesday.

The Canucks did not provide any additional details regarding Miller’s absence.

“Right now, our sole focus is making sure that J.T. knows the entire organization is here to support him,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. “Out of respect to J.T., we will have no further comment at this time.”

Miller, who is tied for the team lead with six goals, played in the Canucks’ most recent game which was a 5-3 loss Sunday to the Nashville Predators. Miller finished with zero shots and a season-low 11:49 in ice time despite averaging 18:24 per game this season. He was also benched for the majority of the third period.

Canucks coach Rick Tocchet was asked why Miller had his minutes limited in the game’s final frame.

“I went with the guys who I thought could get us back in the game,” Tocchet said.

Tocchet was then asked if Miller, 31, was dealing with an injury that might have played a role in his ice time against the Predators.

“No,” Tocchet said before moving onto the next question.

The loss against the Predators snapped Miller’s three-game points streak. Miller is one of four Canucks’ players who has a team-leading six goals while his 16 points are second behind captain and reigning Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes. Before the announcement, Miller was on pace for 29 goals and 77 points over a full 82-game season.

Last season, Miller had the strongest campaign of his career by scoring a personal-best 32 goals and 103 points. He was a major reason why the Canucks emerged into one of the NHL’s biggest surprises and finished with 109 points for their first 100-point season since 2014-15. They would reach the second round where they lost to the eventual Stanley Cup runners-up Edmonton Oilers.

Entering Tuesday, the Canucks (9-5-3) were third in the Pacific Division and were three points behind the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights.

Source: www.espn.com