Canucks president Jim Rutherford addresses key aspect around J.T. Miller's month-long leave of absence

By R. Nikhil Parshy

Modified Dec 17, 2024 15:00 GMT

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Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford shed some light on J.T. Miller's leave of absence, speaking after their game against the Boston Bruins. The forward is extremely crucial to the team's plans as the season wears on and Vancouver looks to make a playoff push.

Rutherford was discussing the Canucks' form and season on CBC, and was asked about what he would have said if a player came to him, asking for time "for a reset." Rutherford went into detail about the importance of listening to your players and responding to their needs:

"Always, when a player's asking for that, you have to give them that time. We work in this business to win every game and be the best we can, but we also have to realize these are people. Everybody has issues to deal with at certain times and when a player reaches out for some help, that's when you say, 'You need some time off, go for it.'"

He also noted the improvements the NHL has made in recent times. Rutherford was then directly asked, "Was J.T. Miller's request for leave personal, from him, or was it a team initiative?" Rutherford addressed this key aspect around Miller's absence in his reply:

"He requested the time, and it was for personal reasons."

He then addressed the online rumors circulating about Miller, which had some suggesting he had quit on his team:

"Yeah, it's unfortunate, you know, I get it, the world we live in, and the sports world we live in, there's going to be all kinds of rumors, and people make up trade rumors and all these things.

"But when a player is in a situation where he's taken a leave for personal reasons, it's very disrespectful for people, without any information, to go off of to start, start some of these rumors. It's really unfortunate."

In two games since his return, Miller has earned three assists, with two against the Panthers, and being the sole provider during their 1-5 loss against the Bruins. Before taking his leave after Nov. 20, he had earned 16 points in 17 games.

He is a vital member of the club's offense, having led the team in goals, points and power-play points in 2023-24. Even though his absence seemed to be a big loss for the team, they were able to stabilize the ship and earn a 5-3-2 record in the 10 games that he missed.

Jim Rutherford shares his honest opinions on Canucks' playoff chances

Jim Rutherford was also clear about the way the Canucks have played so far this season. He didn't hide the fact that the team was in need of fixing certain fundamentals that are currently barriers to them competing as a playoff team.

"We're in the middle of playing a lot of games ... so we get a lot of days off," Rutherford said. "We didn't practice yesterday, we've had a couple of other home games when we didn't practice, and we didn't play well.

"We have some adjustments to make, obviously, but they're fixable, but we better fix them quick 'cause you can't be a playoff team with a record like we have at home."

After going 50-23-9 last season and finishing first in the Pacific Divison, the Canucks have found it tough going and are currently fourth with a 15-9-5 record. Only five of those wins came at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Rutherford knows there is great scope for improvement.