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Rangers' J.T. Miller Opens Up on Canucks Trade: 'Crazy Lucky'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Feb 13, 2025 6:45 AM ET

J.T. Miller is embracing his second stint with the New York Rangers after being traded from the Vancouver Canucks on January 31.

The Rangers sent forward Filip Chytil, prospect Victor Mancini, and a 2025 first-round draft pick to the Canucks in exchange for Miller, who was originally selected by the Rangers with the No. 15 pick of the 2011 NHL draft.

Speaking during the 4 Nations Face-Off break and ahead of Team USA's debut on Thursday, Miller expressed gratitude for the reception he received upon returning to New York.

“Tons of friends around the area and the welcoming I got coming back was astounding,” Miller said. “Just so much support from my family and I just feel crazy lucky everything worked out the way it did.”

Miller has contributed two goals and two assists in five games since rejoining the Rangers. He spent the first five full seasons of his career in New York before the Rangers traded him to the Tampa Bay Lightning midway through his sixth season as a pro.

His return also reunited Miller with childhood friend Vincent Trocheck.

“He’s my best friend in the world,” Trocheck said. “I think this had been a pipe dream—10 years in the making.”

The trade followed reports of tension between Miller and Elias Pettersson that were ultimately confirmed by Canucks president Jim Rutherford.

Miller and Pettersson, coincidentally, will meet again on the ice during the 4 Nations Face-Off when Team USA faces Sweden on Monday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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