On yesterday’s episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal were joined by Patrick Johnston of the Province to discuss J.T. Miller’s unexpected leave of absence and the impact it will have on the Canucks.
“One of the things that was immediately underlying was that this isn’t a substance or alcohol issue; it’s a player that needs some time,” said Patrick. “It’s a bit unusual. We’re not used to seeing guys just step away and take a break. He’s dealing with some kind of neck problem, and you can see he hasn’t been playing the way we expected him to play, with the same aggression we’ve been used to. Still picking up points and doing stuff, but the way everything sagged on Sunday, it seemed like everything came to a head. He’s asked to take some time away, sit back, figure out what’s going on, and get himself healed up. I don’t think he’ll make the road trip—it’s a stay-home chance to reset himself, as it was put to me.”
Patrick acknowledged how much the team will miss Miller’s presence. “He’s been an important point for the team emotionally. Rick Tocchet leans on him to drive the bus from that standpoint. He’ll be missed.”
The Canucks faced the Rangers last night at home before heading off on a 6 game road trip. The road trip starts in Ottawa on Saturday and is a busy schedule next week, including Miller’s homecoming in Pittsburgh. However, it doesn’t seem like Miller will be going on that trip.
“It’s a big upcoming road trip. They play tonight and not again until Saturday in Ottawa. They have a bunch of games next week—J.T.’s homecoming game in Pittsburgh is one of them—but I don’t think he’ll be playing in any of those games,” Patrick said. “We don’t know when he’s going to be back, but it’s not a few days. This is something that will be a substantial amount of time, which goes back to being a bit odd with the designation of not being on the roster, not on IR, and not in the player assistance program. It’s mildly unusual.”
In Miller’s absence, others will need to step up, but challenges persist.
“Other guys will need to step up offensively. Conor Garland is also a question mark with his wife ready to give birth, which will take some of his attention away,” Patrick said. “It’ll be interesting to see how Jonathan Lekkerimäki adjusts. Miller had taken him under his wing a bit as a veteran, and Lekkerimäki has shown a few flashes.
“Guys like Danton Heinen and Dakota Joshua are both wingers but can pick up the slack on faceoffs. They’re both pretty adept at the faceoff dot. You’re not going to replace the player—it’s that simple. Hopefully Boeser is back soon because they need his offensive abilities. Is there a role for Boeser to play the middle? They don’t have an obvious fit. A few guys down on the farm are veteran grinder types, like Max Sasson, but there’s nobody obviously ready to step in and take on a big offensive role.”
Patrick noted that the team will likely shift its style of play to adapt. “The way this team will be playing is going to be more on the margins—tight-checking, three-two, two-one hockey—and I think we’ll be seeing more of that.”
You can watch the full segment below:
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