"Everyone loved that" "Missed you so bad": NHL fans react as J.T. Miller returns for Canucks morning skate following mysterious absence

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller was back on the ice on Tuesday morning, the team confirmed. Miller took a leave of absence for personal reasons associated with mental health. While there was no timeline for his return, speculation was that Miller would be away for a few weeks.

Now, Miller is back in practice and fans couldn’t be happier. Let’s take a look at what fans had to say about J.T. Miller’s return to Canucks practice.

“Everyone loved that,” a fan posted on X.

“Missed you so bad king welcome back!!!!” this fan weighed in.

“Very happy to have J.T. back,” another fan commented.

While the reaction from fans was overwhelmingly positive, some took advantage of the opportunity to poke fun at the situation.

Here’s what some of these fans posted on social media.

“Announce the trade already,” a fan chimed in.

“The cancer had returned. Suspension over,” another fan opined.

“Cute. Trade him,” this fan wrote.

Despite J.T. Miller hitting the ice on Tuesday’s practice, there is no telling when he could suit up in game action. Canucks insider Brendan Batchelor reported Miller as an extra skater at practice. Perhaps Miller could be ready in time for the Canucks’s game on Thursday against the Florida Panthers.

J.T. Miller skates as Thatcher Demko gets set for season debut

Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko warms up before an NHL game. (Credits: IMAGN)

J.T. Miller’s return is not Vancouver's only noteworthy lineup change on Tuesday night. Coach Rick Tocchet confirmed that Canucks’s starting goaltender Thatcher Demko would be making his season debut for the team.

TSN confirmed the news as Tocchet spoke to the media following Tuesday’s practice. Tocchet addressed Demko’s return and confirmed that the Vezina Trophy finalist would play against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Tocchet did not address J.T. Miller’s situation. However, Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province reported that Miller will skate on Wednesday and address the media before a possible return on Thursday.

However, nothing has been confirmed regarding Miller’s return.

Demko and Miller’s returns are welcome news for a Vancouver team that has struggled recently. They are 5-4-1 in their last ten games, with their last outing being a 2-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday night.

With the added firepower from Miller and the elite goaltending from Demko, the Canucks could be poised to go on a run, making up ground in the Pacific Division. Vancouver is currently tied with the Edmonton Oilers for third place in the Pacific, with the Calgary Flames one point behind and the Seattle Kraken two points behind.

The Canucks hope the boost from Miller and Demko will allow the club to put some distance between those teams chasing and catch up to the second-place Los Angeles Kings.