Elliotte Friedman shockingly reveals the reason behind J.T. Millers leave of absence with the Canucks
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Respected NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman hints at the real reason why New York Rangers newly acquired forward J.T. Miller took a leave of absence when he was with the Vancouver Canucks organization.
During Millers time with the Canucks, he ended up taking a leave of absence which left many fans questioning why, and now for the first time NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has provided some insight into the motivations behind that decision.
On Monday, Elliotte Friedman discussed the recent trade that saw the New York Rangers re-acquire J.T. Miller from the Canucks, and during comments on the topic he revealed a very interesting detail about Miller's unexpected departure from earlier this season.
However, Friedman didn't go into specific serials regarding the nature of the incident, but he did confirm that something had occurred involving Miller after a game against the Nashville Predators.
Here's what he said:
"They had the Nashville game and whatever happened after that game, and I've heard a couple different versions, and nobody will confirm it so I'm not gonna say it," said Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast. "But whatever the case was J.T. Miller went on his leave."
Now just based on purely speculation, it would appear that an altercation broke out between Miller and former teammate Elias Pettersson, as it was confirmed by the Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford that the two were not getting along.
According to Friedman the hope was that the leave of absence would change thigns between Miller and Pettersson, but things didn't work out that way, and Miller end up getting trade to the Rangers.
"When Miller came back from his leave things just didn't get better in terms of the relationship and the stress and things like that," said Friedman. "I think everybody hoped he would come back and things would change and they didn't. I think that was when the decision was made... that they were gonna move on."
It will be very interesting to hear the full details of what really went on but for now the New York Rangers must focus on the future and continue to work hard if they want to secure a playoff spot.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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