It is safe to say that the New York Rangers have had a dismal 2025-26 season. After taking a substantial step backwards a year ago, New York essentially fell off a cliff during the current campaign. The Rangers currently have the fewest points in the entire Eastern Conference. If they lose their final game of the season, they will have their lowest point total during an 82-game season in over 20 years.
Despite the team’s ongoing struggles, captain J.T. Miller remains fairly upbeat. The star veteran recently discussed the situation with The Athletic’s Vince Mercogliano. Although Miller is aware of New York’s tough season, he seems to be fairly happy with his personal play this year. This is even though the forward is averaging just .76 points per game on the campaign. The figure is his lowest average since the 2018-19 season.
“If I produced the way I was supposed to in the first 15, 20 games, I’d be right on par for my production,” Miller told Mercogliano. “But I’ve liked the way I’ve played, so it’s hard. You don’t want to hang your hat just on points.”
“I’m probably a little short of what my standard is for (points), but … I’m not unhappy with how my season’s gone,” continued the captain. “There’s been a lot going on around our organization, and it’s been overwhelming. But for my play, I don’t look at it as a step back. I kind of like the way I’ve played and kind of tried to press forward with a lot of things going on.”
J.T. Miller’s Point Total Not the Only Concern for New York Rangers
GettyJ.T. Miller has received heat from Rangers fans throughout the season.
Miller’s lackluster goal and assist totals are not his only glaring statistics, though. The veteran also currently has a -30 rating on the season. This number is not only the worst figure of his entire career, but it is the lowest rating on the entire New York Rangers team. While he has only played 67 total games this season, the rating ranks among the 10-worst tallies in the NHL.
Miller has reached a career-high 83 giveaways during the current campaign as well. His 14 total takeaways in 2025-26 are also his lowest figure in over a decade, including the COVID years.
Outside of statistics, Miller has received heat from Rangers fans multiple times throughout the campaign for a perceived lack of effort on the ice. Back in November, New Yorkers blasted their team’s captain for not giving his all during a game against the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Rangers supporters also ripped the veteran after he made off-putting comments following a shutout defeat in February.
Miller Fully Expected to Remain in New York
While the Rangers are going through a retooling and some fans are unhappy with Miller, the star center is set to remain in New York. The club captain’s $8 million AAV deal does not end until the summer of 2030. Even if Rangers general manager Chris Drury wanted to offload the star, the contract would be tough to move. Miller also has a no-trade clause in the agreement.
As a result, Miller will remain among New York’s leadership group alongside Adam Fox, Mika Zibanejad, and Igor Shesterkin. Drury will now have to navigate the retooling by drafting well and making smart trades involving other players on the roster. According to Puckpedia.com, the Rangers have nearly $27 million in current cap space for the 2026-27 season.
Rangers Captain Gives Bizarre Evaluation on Dismal Season