The New York Rangers will be without their captain for at least the next few games.
With J.T. Miller out week-to-week with an upper-body injury, the Rangers placed the forward on injured reserve Monday. In a corresponding move, the team announced that forward Brett Berard has been recalled from the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack.
Miller left the Rangers’ game against Philadelphia on Saturday with about eight minutes left after taking a big hit from Flyers defenceman Nick Seeler and landing awkwardly. The 32-year-old forward appeared to be favouring his right arm or shoulder while in pain on the bench and skating off to go down the tunnel for medical attention.
Miller’s ability to play for the U.S. at the Milan Olympics if selected is not in jeopardy, the Associated Press reported on Sunday. The roster deadline is Dec. 31, and the tournament is set to begin Feb. 11.
The East Palestine, Ohio, native played for the U.S. at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and is considered a strong bet to be one of the 14 forwards selected for the Olympics, given his all-around skillset.
In 35 games for the Rangers this season, Miller has 10 goals and 12 assists.
The Rangers sit sixth in the Metropolitan Division, with an 18-16-4 record.
— With files from the Associated Press