J.T. Miller welcomes new baby, signs $56M contract extension with Canucks

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller celebrates after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on March 23, 2022. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

It's been a big week for Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller.

On Thursday morning, the NHL star's wife Natalie gave birth to their first son, Owen Edward Miller. On Friday, the Canucks confirmed they have re-signed the centre on a seven-year contract extension worth $56 million.

"J.T. Miller is an impact player in this league and we are thrilled to have him re-signed with the Canucks long term," general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement.

"His production last season speaks for itself and his competitive drive provides a standard that our players can look up to. He will continue to be a key piece of this team for years to come."

The deal ends weeks of speculation over the 29-year-old's future with the team.

Miller, who joined the Canucks from the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019, finished last season with 32 goals and 99 points in 80 games – making him their leading scorer.

He also posted the seventh-most points in a season in Canucks history.

“The Vancouver Canucks have made a very big bet here,” long-time Vancouver sports reporter and host of the Sekeres and price show, Matt Sekeres told CTV News.

Sekeres says the $8 million-per-year is a solid price for Miller, but says it’s the length of the deal that could give some reason to pause.

“He’s going to be 30 years old next march and then you’ve got him seven more years after that, what kind of a player is he going to be at 35, 36?”

Along with Miller, the Canucks have his fellow stars Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson locked up long term.

“The core is terrific, it’s the rest of the roster that needs a lot of work, you’re not going to win a Stanley cup with just six or seven good players so well see what they can do with the rets of the roster,” said Sekeres.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Natalie Miller (@nmiller_02)

Meanwhile, the Millers are preparing to introduce their new son to their two daughters.

The baby was born weighing about eight pounds and measuring 19.5 inches, according to social media posts from the couple.

"Still in shock I have a son," Natalie Miller wrote on Instagram Friday. "Also, so much brown hair."