When the Vancouver Canucks take on the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, they may have to do so without their top centre.
Head coach Rick Tocchet told reporters after Tuesday’s morning skate that J.T. Miller is a game-time decision after appearing to suffer an undisclosed injury early in Saturday’s game.
He added that if Miller plays, the team will decide whether or not he will take faceoffs.
Miller appeared to suffer an injury following the opening faceoff against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night. He remained in the game, but took no further faceoffs. When asked about it post-game by Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre, Miller quipped, “I forgot my mouthguard for one shift.”
Since arriving in Vancouver ahead of the 2019-2020 season, Miller has been one of the Canucks’ most consistent forwards, scoring at a point-per-game clip in all but one of his five full years with the team.
He eclipsed the century mark for the first time in 2023-24, hitting 37 goals and 66 assists to lead the Canucks to their first Pacific Division title since 2010-11.
Through five games this season, Miller has scored two goals and one assist for three points. The 31-year-old gave the Canucks their first win of the season last Thursday against the Florida Panthers when he scored in overtime.
Catch the Canucks as they visit Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks on Sportsnet Pacific and Sportsnet+ at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
