Rangers taking cautious approach with J.T. Miller injury

After J.T. Miller missed practice for a second consecutive day, the Rangers captain will not play in Thursday’s preseason game against the Devils.

With the 2025-26 opener less than a week away — Tuesday night against the Penguins at the Garden — Rangers coach Mike Sullivan pushed back when asked if he’s concerned yet about Miller’s availability for the start of the regular season.

“My understanding is that he’s day to day. We’re obviously erring on the side of caution,” Sullivan said after Wednesday’s practice in Tarrytown. “He will not play [Thursday]. I’ll tell you that and we’ll make decisions from there, but I believe that he is trending the right way, and we’ll get him back on the ice in a timely manner.”

The 32-year-old center suffered a noncontact, lower body injury during Monday’s practice, leaving the ice after doubling over in pain.

Miller was reacquired by the Rangers from Vancouver in January; he had played his first six NHL seasons in New York before a trade to the Lightning in 2018.

He was named captain before the start of training camp last month.

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Sullivan has been impressed with 22-year-old defense prospect Scott Morrow, a former second-round pick who was acquired from Carolina as part of the offseason K’Andre Miller trade.

“As far as how we feel about him we’re thrilled that he’s a Ranger, and we really like what we’ve seen to this point,” Sullivan said. “I think he’s a big, strong kid. I think he skates well. I think he has some offensive instincts. He has the ability to run a power play up top. I think he’s getting better defending, and I think that’s an area where I’m fairly confident our coaching staff can help them there.”

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Center Sam Carrick (lower body) returned to practice in a red noncontact jersey.

Center Brendan Brisson and defenseman Connor Mackey were assigned to AHL Hartford. Defenseman Casey Fitzgerald was placed on waivers and he also will report to Hartford if he clears on Thursday.