Canucks’ J.T. Miller to return vs. Panthers

VANCOUVER — Star centre J.T. Miller will return to the Canucks’ lineup on Thursday when Vancouver hosts the Florida Panthers.

The 31-year-old ahead took an indefinite go away from the group final month for private causes. He declined to say Thursday why he stepped away from hockey.

“I am right here with the group, and I am able to sit up for what is going on to occur sooner or later, not essentially what has occurred previously,” he informed reporters after the morning skate.

Miller has six targets and 10 assists in 17 video games this season however has not performed since Nov. 17.

He is missed 10 video games, throughout which the Canucks (14-8-5) went 5-3-2.

The centre wasn’t removed from the minds of Vancouver followers throughout his go away and chants of “J-T Mill-er!” broke out throughout a number of video games.

“It’s simply an instance of how a lot he means to the group and the town. He’s such an enormous piece to our group,” mentioned Canucks defenceman Tyler Myers. “However typically there’s issues larger than hockey. And props to him for stepping away and taking good care of these issues.”

Getting again within the lineup Thursday could include some rust, Miller admitted.

“I feel this weekend is 4 weeks (off), so I am going to attempt to preserve it straightforward on myself, play my recreation,” he mentioned. “Simply actually attempt to make it straightforward on myself, attempt to preserve it easy, attempt to play bodily — issues that I can management.”