The New York Rangers finally have their captain again, and it’s a familiar face. J.T. Miller, drafted by the team back in 2011, has been named the 29th captain in franchise history.
General manager Chris Drury praised the move, saying Miller “exemplifies how we want to conduct ourselves both on and off the ice.” The announcement comes after more than a year without a captain following Jacob Trouba’s trade to Anaheim.
A full-circle moment
Miller spent his first six NHL seasons with the Rangers before stints in Tampa Bay and Vancouver. New York brought him back during the 2024-25 season to spark the offense and help reset the locker room culture. His leadership has made a quick impact, with the organization viewing him as the right choice to guide the next phase of the Blueshirts.
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A new era at Madison Square Garden
Miller isn’t the only change. Veteran coach Mike Sullivan is now behind the bench, bringing a fresh direction to a team that has been searching for stability and an identity. Together, Sullivan and Miller represent the start of a new era in Manhattan, one that blends experience, grit, and the kind of leadership New York fans have been craving.
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