J.T. Miller's Biography

Jonathan Tanner Miller, as many ice hockey enthusiasts would know, is an American professional ice hockey forward currently with the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He dons the hat of an alternate captain, showcasing his leadership on and off the ice. Miller’s history with the NHL includes tenures with the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. His NHL journey started when he was selected in the first round, a commendable 15th overall, in the 2011 NHL entry draft. Known for his versatility, Miller’s ability to play as a center or winger makes him a crucial member of any team he represents.

Miller’s roots lie in the residential district of East Palestine, Ohio, where he was raised blocks away from the East Palestine City School District campus, and had his schooling until the 10th grade. His ice hockey career began in earnest at a tender age, and alongside, he also participated in other organized athletic activities like baseball and football. Miller played for different ice hockey teams from ages five to 12, finally settling with the Pittsburgh Hornets when he was 12. His family was living in the Pittsburgh suburb of Coraopolis at the time.

His early forays into ice hockey saw him participate in the 2006 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Pittsburgh Hornets’ minor ice hockey team. The year 2009 marked a move to Ann Arbor, Michigan for Miller – to participate in USA Hockey’s two-year National Team Development Program (U.S. NTDP).

After joining the U.S. NTDP in the 2009–10 season, Miller played for two seasons and was then selected in the first round of the 2011 NHL entry draft by the New York Rangers – again, bagging a noteworthy 15th overall position. The 2011–12 season witnessed Miller transition to major junior ice hockey as he joined the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Later in the season, Miller joined the Connecticut Whale, the Rangers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, and had a go at the 2012 Calder Cup playoffs, earning one assist in eight playoff games.

Once the Whale bid goodbye to the playoffs, Miller found a spot in the Rangers’ roster for the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs. His journey with the Rangers, however, initiated with a stint with the Connecticut Whale in the AHL for the 2012–13 season. The year 2013 in February saw Miller recalled by the Rangers and he quickly registered his first two NHL goals in a win against the New York Islanders.

The following season had Miller dividing his time between the Rangers and the Hartford Wolf Pack. Yet, he eventually secured a full-time roster spot with the Rangers during the 2014–15 season, where he performed exceptionally, scoring 10 goals and 13 assists in 58 games.

The ensuing years witnessed his stellar growth in the ice hockey field, with the 2015–16 season being a breakthrough for Miller. Scoring 22 goals and 21 assists, he often found himself leading the line with Derek Stepan and Mats Zuccarello. Moreover, his impressive play led to the signing of a two-year, $5.5 million contract with New York.

In the 2018 NHL Winter Classic, Miller’s game-winning goal led to a 3–2 overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres. February 2018 witnessed another trade for Miller, wherein he moved to the Tampa Bay Lightning along with Ryan McDonagh, in a multi-player deal. His journey with the Lightning initiated with his first NHL hat trick in a loss against the Ottawa Senators, with Miller proceeding to become an even more valuable asset for the Lightning by signing a five-year, $26.25 million contract.

His association with the Vancouver Canucks started on the second day of the 2019 draft, where he was traded in exchange for Marek Mazanec, among others. In October, during a winning game against the Florida Panthers, Miller scored his 100th NHL goal. His first season with the Canucks turned out to be an all-rounded success for him, leading or tying the team in achievements such as goals, assists, and playoff points.

Miller’s career furthered with Vancouver upon the signing of a seven-year, $56 million contract extension in September 2022. He achieved another milestone in April 2023, scoring his 200th NHL goal in a game against the Anaheim Ducks.

January 2024 saw Miller crystallize his position as an NHL all-star. He completed the 2023–24 season with a career high of 37 goals, 66 assists, and 103 points, breaking the 100-point barrier for the first time.

Apart from his NHL career, Miller’s contributions to international hockey also deserve a note. He has represented the United States junior team at the World Junior Championships in 2012 and 2013, leading the team with notable performances and even bagging the gold medal in 2013.

On a personal note, Miller shares his life with his wife and their three children, two daughters and a son. With his strong work ethic and commitment towards the sport, Jonathan Miller continues to be an inspiring figure in the world of ice hockey.