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Canucks leading scorer JT Miller retires
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Canucks leading scorer JT Miller retires

Vancouver Canucks forward and leading scorer JT Miller is taking an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons, the team announced Tuesday.

The Canucks did not provide additional details about Miller’s absence.

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

Miller, who leads the team with six goals, played in the Canucks’ most recent game, which was a 5-3 loss to the Nashville Predators on Sunday. Miller finished with zero shots and a season-low 11:49 of ice time despite averaging 18:24 per game this season. He also sat on the bench for most of the third period.

Canucks coach Rick Tocchet was asked why Miller had his minutes limited in the final frame of the game.

“I went with the guys who I thought could get us back in the game,” Tocchet said.

Tocchet was then asked if Miller, 31, was dealing with an injury that might have played a role in his ice time against the Predators.

“No,” Tocchet said before moving on to the next question.

The loss to the Predators ended Miller’s three-game point streak. Miller is one of four Canucks players with a team-leading six goals, while he is second behind captain and reigning Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes with 16 points. Before the announcement, Miller was on pace for 29 goals and 77 points over a full 82-game season.

Last season, Miller had the strongest campaign of his career, scoring a personal best of 32 goals and 103 points. He was a big reason why the Canucks pulled off one of the NHL’s biggest upsets, finishing with 109 points for their first 100-point season since 2014-15. They would reach the second round where they lost to the eventual Stanley Cup runners-up, Edmonton Oilers.

Entering Tuesday, the Canucks (9-5-3) were third in the Pacific Division and three points behind the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights.