Rangers’ Captain Out for Preseason Game Against Devils

The Rangers captain won’t be participating in Thursday’s preseason game against the Devils. This comes after JT Miller missed practice again for the second consecutive day.

With the 2025-26 season opener just a week away—set to be against the Penguins—Rangers coach Mike Sullivan responded to concerns about Miller’s availability as the regular season approaches.

“From what I understand, he’s improving day by day. We’re definitely keeping an eye on it,” Sullivan mentioned post-practice in Tarrytown on Wednesday. “He won’t be playing [Thursday]. I’m sharing that with you because we need to make these decisions, but I believe he’s moving in the right direction. We’ll get him back on the ice soon.”

The 32-year-old center had to leave practice earlier this week after suffering a low-contact injury, which seemed pretty painful at the time.

Miller was re-acquired by the Rangers from Vancouver earlier this year. He had his first six NHL seasons in New York before being traded to the Lightning in 2018.

Interestingly, he was named captain last month, just ahead of training camp.

Coach Sullivan also had some positive words for 22-year-old defenseman Scott Morrow, whom the team acquired from Carolina in the K’Andre Miller trade this offseason.

“I’m excited about what we see in him as a Ranger. We really like his potential,” Sullivan said. “He’s a big, strong kid with good skating skills. He has a knack for offense and could effectively run power plays.”

In other updates, center Sam Carrick (lower body) has returned to practice but in a red, non-contact jersey.

Meanwhile, center Brendan Brisson and defenseman Conor McKee have been sent to AHL Hartford. Defenseman Casey Fitzgerald will be placed on waivers and, if he clears on Thursday, will also report to Hartford.