Rangers name J.T. Miller as 29th captain in franchise history

The New York Rangers forward was named the 29th captain in franchise history on Tuesday, the team announced.

Miller, 32, rejoined the Rangers last season after a mid-season trade from the Vancouver Canucks and went on to post 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 32 games.

“Since his arrival last season, J.T. immediately became a leader for our group and exemplifies how we want to conduct ourselves both on and off the ice,” general manager Chris Drury said in a statement. “Congratulations to J.T. and his entire family on an incredibly meaningful achievement, and we’re confident he will continue to represent our organization with class, commitment and integrity.”

Miller succeeds Jacob Trouba as team captain after the defenceman was dealt to Anaheim in December. New York finished out the season without anyone wearing the ‘C.’

Miller, of East Palestine, Ohio, was originally selected by the Rangers in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft.

He went on to spend the first six years of his career with the club before moving to the Tampa Bay Lightning for parts of two seasons. He then joined the Vancouver Canucks, where he enjoyed the best run of his career, notching career highs in goals and earning Hart and Selke Trophy votes in multiple seasons.

However, he was dealt back to New York in January amid a reported rift with Canucks forward Elias Pettersson.

He was an alternate captain for four seasons in Vancouver.

Over 871 career games, Miller has recorded 260 goals and 449 assists.