Canucks' J.T. Miller to play vs. Panthers, mum on reason for absence

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller said he will return to the ice for Thursday's game against the Florida Panthers, ending a 10-game absence due to undisclosed personal reasons.

Miller, who last played on Nov. 17, wasn't interested in telling reporters why he was away from the team.

"I am playing tonight and I really would appreciate it if we just stay away from the reasons that I wasn't here from all of you guys," Miller said Thursday. "You can ask all you want, but I'm not going to dive into the reasons why I wasn't here for the last three to four weeks.

"I'm here with the team and I'm ready to look forward to what is going to happen in the future, not necessarily what has happened in the past."

The Canucks have posted a 5-3-2 record in Miller's absence.

Miller, 31, shared the team lead in goals (six) with three other players at the time of his departure. His totals in assists (10) and points (16) at that time trailed only star defenseman Quinn Hughes (15, 18).

Miller has totaled 655 points (244 goals, 411 assists) and a plus-68 rating in 816 career games with the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Canucks. He was selected by the Rangers with the 15th overall pick of the 2011 NHL Draft.

--Field Level Media