J.T. Miller's first full season back with the New York Rangers had its share of accolades, despite the disappointment of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The latest achievement came Thursday, when Miller was named the winner of the Rod Gilbert Mr. Ranger Award.
The award, which was presented by Gilbert's widow, Judy, recognizes the Rangers player "who best honors Rod's legacy by exemplifying leadership qualities both on and off the ice and making a significant humanitarian contribution to his community."
Miller represented the Rangers in numerous community initiatives this season. In addition, he and his wife Natalie, who are the parents of three children, made a record donation of $154,000 to The Garden of Dreams Foundation.
"I'm so honored," Miller told MSG Networks during a between periods interview. "It's a very special thing for me and my family, and my wife Natalie. Mr. Gilbert was obviously a heck of a hockey player, but he was an unbelievable person. I got to know him a little my first time here, and seeing what he means to the team and the city and the franchise is really special.
"I feel really honored for this, and it's a humbling thing for my family and [me]."
Prior to the start of training camp, the Rangers named Miller the 29th captain in franchise history. Then in February, the 33-year-old forward helped the United States win the gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Miller entered the game Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens with 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists) in 61 games. The Rangers re-acquired Miller , their 2011 first-round pick (No. 15 overall), in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 31, 2025. He played 434 of his 932 NHL games before Thursday with the Rangers. He also played 404 games with the Canucks and 94 with the Tampa Bay Lightning .
Gilbert played his entire NHL career from 1960-77 with the Rangers, and his No. 7 was retired by the organization on Oct. 14, 1979 — the first number to be raised to the rafters at The Garden. He remains the all-time leader in Rangers history with 406 goals and 1,021 points, and is second with 615 assists and 1,065 games played.
After his retirement, the Hockey Hall of Famer spent 32 years working for the organization in community relations and charitable endeavors. He represented the Rangers, Rangers Alumni Association, Madison Square Garden and the Garden of Dreams Foundation, and was a beloved member of the Blueshirts family.
Chris Kreider won the inaugural Rod Gilbert Mr. Ranger Award in the 2021-22 season. Jacob Trouba and Adam Fox won it in the following two seasons, and Jonathan Quick was the recipient in 2024-25.
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