New York Rangers Head Coach Focused On Building Strong Connection With J.T. Miller And Here's Why
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JT Miller and Mike Sullivan have been acquainted before, as he was the assistant coach of the Rangers from 2009 to 2013. What he didn't think would happen is that he would end up coaching him behind the bench of the New York Rangers in 2025-26. Now, he's making an effort to build a connection with the leader of his team.
Under Peter Laviolette, the Rangers finished 5th in the Metropolitan Division. The team was left without a captain after December 6th when Jacob Trouba was traded to Anaheim, leaving them without an identity.
Now, with new Head Coach Mike Sullivan and the 29th Captain being named JT Miller, they're looking for a rebound year. Miller would do all he could against the New York Islanders and would score a goal in the high-intensity outing with a 5-4 finish.
The two are familiar with each other due to Miller playing through Sullivan's tenure as assistant coach of the Rangers from 2009 to 2013. Their reunion wouldn't occur until the Four Nations Face-off, and now that it's been made permanent.
Both have had their share of success before returning to New York: Sullivan's multiple cups, and Miller's seven 20-goal seasons.
Miller would return to the Rangers as a result of a spat between himself and Elias Pettersson, a topic that was addressed by Sullivan.
«I've had conversations with him about it,» Sullivan said Friday. «Obviously when (general manager) Chris [Drury] and I talked to him about leadership and being the captain of the team, that was part of the conversation.»
Sullivan addressed what it is that separates Miller from the competition and how excited he is to build a relationship with him.
JT Miller's A "Fierce Competitor" according to Mike Sullivan.
Miller's hard-nosed style of play has made him infamous due to how incorrigible he can be to both teammates and opponents. Though he has reformed, according to Sullivan, as he has seen a stark difference at the age of 32 compared to now.
«I think JT has really matured over the course of his career,» the coach explained. «I think J.T. has taken a great approach to his career both on and off the ice. The type of teammate he is, I think sometimes those types of guys tend to be misunderstood.
«He's a fierce competitor who tends to wear his emotions right on his sleeve. His intentions are in the right place. He wants to win in the worst way, and we don't want that aspect of his personality to change. We want him to be himself. He wants to become a better version of himself on the ice and off the ice.»
«He's a fierce competitor who tends to wear his emotions right on his sleeve. His intentions are in the right place. He wants to win in the worst way, and we don't want that aspect of his personality to change. We want him to be himself. He wants to become a better version of himself on the ice and off the ice.»
Sullivan has coached Sidney Crosby, who has been one of the NHL's best players in the past 15 years, as Captain.
«I don't think it's different,» he said. «I really value that relationship with the captain. His relationship with the coach is really important. That's how it was when Sid was the captain and I was the coach in Pittsburgh. Obviously I was there a long time, and when you spend that much time together, you develop a relationship, right?
«I think it's one of the more rewarding things from a coaching standpoint to have the ability to build a relationship with a player of that stature who's elite at what he does but also incredibly invested in the organization. I feel the same way about J.T. I really look forward to the opportunity to get to know him better, and for him to get to know me better. I look forward to that opportunity to work together to help this team be its best.»
«I think it's one of the more rewarding things from a coaching standpoint to have the ability to build a relationship with a player of that stature who's elite at what he does but also incredibly invested in the organization. I feel the same way about J.T. I really look forward to the opportunity to get to know him better, and for him to get to know me better. I look forward to that opportunity to work together to help this team be its best.»
It's his hope that he can build a functional relationship that he had with Miller, similar to the one in Pittsburgh with Crosby. Especially if the team is to rebound this season.
«He's a great kid,» Sullivan offered. «He really cares about the Rangers. He's totally invested in trying to help this team win, and I'm excited to watch him evolve with the group here as the captain. He's just a fierce competitor. I've coached a number of those guys over the years, and I think part of the DNA of those types of players is that they tend to get emotional because they're invested.
«I think that's J.T. in a nutshell.»
«I think that's J.T. in a nutshell.»
Miller can be one of many players who can help the team find its footing after a season that was ultimately unforgettable.
Previously on NY Rangers Insider
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