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Canucks Star Unexpectedly Defends J.T. Miller Amid Locker Room Controversy

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Daniel Lucente
January 19, 2025  (10:58)
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Despite all of the controversy that has erupted in the Vancouver Canucks locker room surrounding JT Miller, one teammate came to the defense of his friend.

One of the Vancouver Canucks wingers praised JT Miller following a big 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, amid reports heading into the contest that the club was actively looking to trade the veteran center.

Reports indicated a rift grew between Miller and Elias Pettersson, which raised organizational angst and allowed trade rumblings to reach a fever pitch.

Jake DeBrusk really enjoys having Miller as a teammate

Jake DeBrusk made sure to really air his true feelings regarding how happy he is to have Miller as a teammate.

"I'm happy he was playing for us tonight," said DeBrusk, according to Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre. "I've been here for 45 games. You know, I signed here for a reason. I signed here to either play with Millsy or Elias (Pettersson). My main thing was to play with those two guys. So I don't want (a trade) to happen. I don't want them to leave."

The Canucks reportedly considered scratching Miller on Saturday as the trade dialogue started to gain real steam, but nothing materialized. The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils could be suitors for the 31-year-old.

Miller chipped in with two huge assists in the win that pulled Vancouver to within one point of the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Post-game, Miller was hell-bent on saying that he didn't get too caught up in outside chatter and was solely focused on trying to help the Canucks find a way to come out on top.

"I don't really know what to say, to be honest," Miller said. "I don't have a good answer for you. I'm just trying to focus on game to game."

Regarding his Canucks future, Miller wouldn't comment. He was signed until 2028, with an $8-million cap hit and full no-trade protection.

"I'm not getting into this," he said. "I'm planning on being a Canuck today, tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens. I'm focused on the next game."

- JT Miller

Miller has grown into an integral piece of the roster of the Canucks, with 433 points in 399 games since the start of his time in Vancouver in 2019.

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Canucks Star Unexpectedly Defends J.T. Miller Amid Locker Room Controversy

Will JT Miller be traded before the end of the month?