Earlier this season, Miller took a personal leave of absence on Nov. 19, missing 10 games before returning on Dec. 12. He led the Canucks and was ninth in the NHL last season with an NHL career-high 103 points (37 goals, 66 assists). He also had career highs in goals, plus-minus (plus-32), power-play points (40) and game-winning goals (nine).
Miller had 437 points (152 goals, 285 assists) in 404 regular-season games over six seasons with Vancouver, ranking 11th in the NHL in scoring during that span.
“It’s a business the way it is. When you’re in this business long enough, there’s going to be things like that,” Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said. “I thought the guys handled it well. [Miller] was a big part of the team. I’m sure he’s emotional, it’s an emotional thing, but it’s a business right? Things happen.
“[Miller] has played great hockey for the Canucks and myself. (He’s a) heart and soul guy. I think he’s going to do well over there.”
Selected by the Rangers in the first round (No. 15) of the 2011 NHL Draft, Miller has 674 points (247 goals, 427 assists) in 839 regular-season games for Vancouver, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Rangers and 56 points (12 goals, 44 assists) in 91 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
“He’s a power forward that can play the game hard, score goals, he can make plays, he’s got an edge to his game and can play different positions,” New York coach Peter Laviolette said Saturday. “It’s a big piece.
“I think he fits right into what we’re doing, so from that standpoint he should be fine … he’s a smart player and he’ll be able to adjust.”
The Canucks (23-18-10) are fifth in the Pacific Division after winning it last season and advancing to the Western Conference Second Round, which they lost in seven games to the Oilers.
Chytil, selected by the Rangers in the first round (No. 21) of the 2017 NHL Draft, has 164 points (75 goals, 89 assists) in 378 games, including 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) in 41 games this season.
The 25-year-old missed all but 10 games last season due to an upper-body injury. He has not played more than 75 games in a season in his seven full seasons with New York. He is in the second season of a four-year contract he signed with the Rangers on March 29, 2023.
Mancini made his NHL debut for the Rangers this season, getting five points (one goal, four assists). Selected by New York in the fifth round (No. 159) of the 2022 NHL Draft, the 22-year-old defenseman signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Rangers on April 2, 2024.
“On behalf of the entire Canucks organization I want to thank J.T. for his time here in Vancouver,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said. “J.T. was a passionate impact player and good leader for our hockey team. Moving him was not an easy decision but we are pleased with our return from the Rangers. Both Filip and Victor are good additions for our club and we are excited to see what they bring to us on the ice.”
Brannstrom, 25, has eight points (three goals, five assists) in 28 games this season, his first with the Canucks after being acquired in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 6.
Selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round (No. 15) of the 2017 NHL Draft, Brannstrom has 77 points (10 goals, 67 assists) in 294 games for the Ottawa Senators and Canucks.
“Former first-round pick, almost 300 games played in the League, just gives us a good depth option,” Drury said. “… This just gives us another piece down there (in Hartford of the American Hockey League) to work with and move forward with.”
Dorrington has 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 23 games as a junior at Northeastern University this season. The 20-year-old defenseman was selected by Vancouver in the sixth round (No. 176) of the 2022 NHL Draft.
NHL.com independent correspondents Kevin Woodley, Taylor Baird and Joe McDonald contributed to this report
