Miller’s Return: Can He Transform the Rangers Into Unstoppable Force?

Just as the chill of a New York autumn tiptoes closer, the Rangers have dropped a big surprise ahead of their NHL campaign: J.T. Miller, back in full swing with the blue, white, and red, is stepping up as captain. It’s not just any gig—this is the 29th ‘C’ wearer in a team steeped in Original Six lore, leading the charge right as the squad pivots into a new chapter under Mike Sullivan’s watchful eye. Miller’s journey—marked by a midseason return and rapid rise to one of the league’s top scorers—is a story of grit and comeback spirit, fresh off last season’s captain-less grind after Jacob Trouba was shipped out. With expectations high after missing the playoffs and big changes shaking the bench and roster, this season’s narrative feels electric, charged with fresh ambitions and a renewed hunger. Oh, and the season opener? A face-off against Sullivan’s former crew, the Pittsburgh Penguins, on October 7—a showdown primed with storyline gold. Ready to dive deeper into this Rangers renaissance? LEARN MORE.

NEW YORK — The New York Rangers named J.T. Miller captain Tuesday, putting him in the key leadership position three weeks before the start of the NHL season.

The Rangers announced Miller would be getting the “C” on the eve of the start of training camp and ahead of his first full season back with the team that drafted him. They did not have a captain for much of last season after trading Jacob Trouba to Anaheim in December.

New York reacquired Miller in late January in a deal with Vancouver. Miller was one of the Rangers’ leading scorers and tied for 13th in the NHL from that point forward.

“Since his arrival last season, J.T. immediately became a leader for our group and exemplifies how we want to conduct ourselves both on and off the ice,” general manager Chris Drury said. “Congratulations to J.T. and his entire family on an incredibly meaningful achievement, and we’re confident he will continue to represent our organization with class, commitment and integrity.”

Miller, 32, is the 29th captain in the history of the Original Six franchise. He assumes the role as the Rangers begin a new era with two-time Stanley Cup-winning coach Mike Sullivan taking over behind the bench.

Expectations are high after they missed the playoffs last season, coming off a trip to the Eastern Conference finals in 2024. Coach Peter Laviolette was fired, Drury received a contract extension and hired Sullivan before signing defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov among a handful of roster changes.

The first on-ice session of training camp is Thursday. The Rangers start the season Oct. 7 against Sullivan’s old team, the Pittsburgh Penguins.