J.T. Miller Taking Indefinite Leave of Absence from Canucks for Personal Reasons

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller is taking an indefinite leave of absence "for personal reasons," the team announced Tuesday.

"Right now, our sole focus is making sure that J.T. knows the entire organization is here to support him," general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. "Out of respect to J.T., we will have no further comment at this time."

Miller is in his sixth campaign with the Canucks and 13th in the NHL. He had recorded six goals and 10 assists for 16 points in 17 games this season.

Most recently Miller skated a season-low 11:41 during Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Nashville Predators.

His final shift of the night ended with 14:40 remaining in regulation. He did not return to the ice, despite a late goal from Kiefer Sherwood that put Vancouver within one tally of tying the contest with six minutes left.

"Didn't think he was one of the guys that could get us back in the game," head coach Rick Tocchet told reporters on Sunday night when asked about Miller's limited ice time in the third period (h/t Sportsnet 360's Josh Elliott-Wolfe.)

When asked if Miller's limited play was related to an injury, Tocchet answered, "No."

As the Canucks' top-line center, Miller provided a veteran presence between Pius Suter and rookie Jonathan Lekkerimäki.

Elias Pettersson could move up to anchor the first line in his absence, which will test the Canucks' center depth as well as the team's penalty kill and power play.

Miller is playing in the second season of a seven-year, $56 million contract with the Canucks. Last season he cleared the 100-point plateau for the first time in his career while helping lead Vancouver to the second round.

In 381 regular-season games Miller has recorded 269 assists for the Canucks, good for the tenth most in franchise history.