Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesJ.T. Miller is slated to return to the New York Rangers’ lineup on Saturday night against the Minnesota Wild.
Miller has missed the past five games due to an upper-body injury that landed him on injured reserve.
While Mike Sullivan didn’t confirm Miller would officially be ready to play on Saturday, he said on Friday that he anticipates him playing barring any unforeseeable things.
The 33-year-old forward was also activated off injured reserve, the per NHL media site.
“J.T. is a really good player,” Sullivan said. “He plays the game hard. He plays the right way. He plays on both sides of the puck. He has offensive capability. He’s hard in the battle areas. We utilize him in every aspect of our game: Special teams, five-on-five. J.T. is a good player, and he’s a complete player on both sides of the puck.
“That’s what we get back. I didn’t even mention the leadership side of it. Just as far as a veteran guy that can help us in that area as well. We’re a better team when he’s in our lineup.”
During Friday’s practice, Miller took reps on the Rangers’ first power-play unit, replacing Gabe Perreault, who was bumped down to the second unit.
In 51 games, Miller has recorded 14 goals, 24 assists, and 38 points, while averaging 20:39 minutes.