JT Miller Sees Career-Low Ice Time: Are the Canucks Sending a Message or Eyeing a Trade?

JT Miller has been off to a slow start in Vancouver this season, and after being benched during their latest game, the team have clearly sent him a huge message.

While the Vancouver Canucks record once again looks strong at 9-5-3, they've not been off to the best start individually, with several players on the team struggling to get going.

Much has been made of Elias Pettersson's play thus far, but recently it's JT Miller that haas come into the spotlight for his start to the season, despite posting 6 goals and 16 points in 17 games played.

During the team's latest game, Miller was benched for the third period, with this leading to some concern around the league that Miller's future in Vancouver could be in jeopardy.

However, this likely isn't the case, as Rick Tocchet is the type of coach that will call a player out for not putting in the effort needed to win hockey games, and that's more than likely what has happened here in Vancouver.

While Miller is almost sitting at a point-per-game, it's hard to ignore his lack of physicality and a 200ft game, and given that we've seen this play from him before in Vancouver, it should send some bad signals to their fans.

Last season, Miller was among the league's best overall players as he was scoring goals, playing a physical game and leading from the front, but this season he hasn't been anywhere near that effective, and it's clear the coaching staff can see it.

Given that Vancouver have dreams of a Stanley Cup this season, a trade of Miller is likely out of the question, with the team more focused on putting elite level talent around him rather than moving him, but unless his game doesn't change, he could end up becoming a major detriment to their lofty expectations this season.

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