In a stunning turn, former Vancouver Canucks great Trevor Linden has publicly criticized star forward J.T. Miller, who is coming off a frustrating season despite signing a massive $68 million contract extension. Linden, known for his leadership during his playing days, didn’t mince words when asked about the current state of the team and its highest-paid players.
“At some point, it’s not about the contract or the hype — it’s about showing up when it matters,” Linden said during a radio interview Friday morning. “When you’re paid like a franchise player, you need to lead like one. Night in and night out.”
Miller, 31, finished the season with solid individual numbers but faced heavy scrutiny for inconsistent play, costly turnovers, and perceived lapses in leadership — issues that many feel contributed to the Canucks missing the playoffs yet again.
While Linden stopped short of blaming Miller for the team’s overall struggles, his pointed comments reflect a growing frustration both inside and outside the organization. Several insiders have hinted that patience with the current core could be wearing thin.
“You can’t just pile up points when the game’s easy. It’s about the hard minutes — about accountability when the stakes are highest,” Linden added. “That’s what separates real leaders from stat collectors.”
The Canucks face a pivotal offseason, with major questions swirling around the roster construction, coaching staff, and front office direction. Whether Miller will respond to the criticism — or if this adds fuel to rumors about a potential shakeup — remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: In Vancouver, the pressure is officially back on.
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